What Is Pyrophobia?
They are characterized by an irrational fear that is out of proportion with the actual threat.
Fire can be dangerous, so some degree of fear and caution is appropriate.
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Just because you might be afraid that your house could catch fire doesn’t mean you have pyrophobia.
Symptoms of Pyrophobia
The DSM-5 does not recognize pyrophobia as a distinct mental health condition.
The DSM-5 lists thecriteria to diagnose a specific phobia.
This exposure could be as simple as someone lighting a candle or turning on a gas stove.
However, there are factors that may make someone more at risk than others.
For example:
In many cases, genes and the environment may both contribute.
Impact of Pyrophobia
Pyrophobia can have a major impact on your daily life.
Treatment for Pyrophobia
There are a fewtreatment optionsfor people who are dealing with a specific phobia.
Each person’s specific treatment plan may vary depending on their needs and the severity of their symptoms.
Medication
A healthcare provider may indicate that medication could be helpful in managing your pyrophobia.
There are certain medications that are prescribed for people with anxiety disorders.
They include:
Medications may be more effective when they are utilized in conjunction with some form of psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy
People with intense pyrophobia may need to seek help from apsychotherapist.
Research has found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are useful in treating specific phobias.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.
Washington, DC; 2013.
2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195.
