Herpetophobia (fear of reptiles and amphibians): what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment

  • Aug 19, 2022
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Herpetophobia (fear of reptiles and amphibians): what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment

If we travel to a jungle place, we will find several types of animals that we will hardly find in the big cities of the world, some of them larger than others. Likewise, if we go on vacation to tourist destinations that offer the possibility of being in contact with some wild species, we will probably experience some uncertainty, since, in general, we are not used to interacting with this type of animals. For this reason, it is understandable that a certain fear may appear in the presence of some living being whose characteristics we do not know, such as a toad or a snake.

However, there are people with an intense and prolonged fear of some species of living beings in particular, a fact that can cause serious consequences in their daily lives. In this Psychology-Online article we will talk about the Herpetophobia (fear of reptiles and amphibians): what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Index

  1. What is herpetophobia
  2. Causes of herpetophobia
  3. Symptoms of herpetophobia
  4. Treatment of herpetophobia

What is herpetophobia.

Herpetophobia is considered as an anxiety disorder characterized by a irrational and exacerbated fear of reptiles and amphibians. However, it is a clinical picture that has specific criteria that differentiate it from other types of anxiety disorders. Similarly, herpetophobia can be placed within the group of specific phobias created by the DSM-V[1].

In order to reach a correct diagnosis of herpetophobia, it is necessary to meet a series of specific criteria:

  • fear or anxiety intense in the presence of a specific object or situation (in this case, it would be animals such as reptiles and amphibians).
  • The object and/or the specific situation usually generate immediate fear and/or anxiety.
  • The fear or anxiety is disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the specific object and/or situation.
  • The duration of the picture is six months or more.
  • Deterioration of work, social and family relationships due to fear and/or anxiety.
  • The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of another mental disorder or by the intake of medications or toxic substances.

Causes of herpetophobia.

In order to develop strategies to reduce the problems of fear of reptiles and amphibians, it is important to know the possible origins that give rise to the symptoms. Next, we show you which are the most important causes:

Environmental factors

The unpleasant experiences with reptiles and amphibians may have markedly influenced a patient's clinical presentation. In this sense, it is possible to develop herpetophobia if the person associates these animals with extreme danger of death or destruction. Similarly, if a person has lived with someone who has these types of phobias, there is a great chance that they will imitate the same behaviors in life.


organic factors

The Genetic heritage plays a transcendental role in a person's emotions. There are certain neural connections that are associated with the processing of external stimuli and that produce intense emotions. For this reason, if one of the parents has been diagnosed with herpetophobia, it is possible that their son or daughter will present the same picture.

In this class of anxiety disorders, the activation of cellular receptors that give give rise to intense fear responses as a way of defending against objects considered to be dangerous.

Herpetophobia (fear of reptiles and amphibians): what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment - Causes of herpetophobia

Symptoms of herpetophobia.

How can I know if I have herpetophobia? In order to detect herpetophobia in time, it is important to know the manifestations that occur at a physical, emotional and behavioral level. Below you will find the main symptoms of herpetophobia:

  • Avoidance of places where amphibians and/or reptiles may be present.
  • Inability to talk about reptiles and/or amphibians.
  • Catastrophic thoughts in relation to these animals.
  • intense anxiety.
  • sweating
  • Palpitations.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea.
  • vomiting.
  • dizziness

It should be noted that the presence of any of these symptoms in isolation does not necessarily represent a picture of herpetophobia. It is essential that the diagnosis be performed by a mental health professional that evaluates the specific characteristics of each patient, such as her age, pre-existing diseases or family history, among others.

Treatment of herpetophobia.

Although herpetophobia can have serious consequences for those who suffer from it, today There are approaches with considerable efficacy and efficiency to treat it and improve the quality of life of the patient. patient. Next, we explain the most effective options to treat herpetophobia:

psychological therapy

Psychotherapeutic sessions are a space in which to reflect on personal aspects that interfere with the development of daily activities. On the one hand, short-term therapies work on the emotions, thoughts and behaviors that cause the person's symptoms. who suffers from this disorder, with the aim of offering tools to overcome the fear of septembers or other reptiles or amphibians

On the other hand, long-term therapies try to find the origin of the symptoms by remembering childhood situations that may have started the phobia. Although both approaches differ in their duration, both have favorable results for patients.


psychiatric medication

In cases of considerable severity, the supply of anti-anxiety medications it will decrease the intensity of the symptoms of herpetophobia. However, it is necessary that the treatment through the provision of psychiatric medication is always carried out under the supervision of a mental health professional.

Herpetophobia (fear of reptiles and amphibians): what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment - Treatment of herpetophobia

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Herpetophobia (fear of reptiles and amphibians): what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

References

  1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: Pan American Medical Publisher.

Bibliography

  • Delgado Reyes, A.C., Sánchez López, J.V. (2019). Fears, phobias and their treatments. Electronic Journal of Psychology Iztacala, 22 (2), 798-833.

Herpetophobia (fear of reptiles and amphibians): what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment

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