FOMO (fear of missing out): what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment

It is possible that throughout life there are situations or losses that cause disappointment or fear. In this sense, despite knowing that we cannot control everything or be present in all situations that we would like, in most cases we tend to understand it and continue with our daily activities. However, some people present serious difficulties to accept this idea, which translates in a constant and permanent fear with unfavorable consequences for those who suffer from this problematic. Having relevant data on how to cope with these situations can help us face life with a different kind of spirit.

In the following Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about the FOMO (fear of missing out): what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment.

Index

1. What is FOMO
2. FOMO symptoms
3. Causes of FOMO
4. FOMO Treatment

FOMO is a irrational and exacerbated fear at the idea of ​​missing some activity that other people might be enjoying at the time. In this way, FOMO is a psychological condition that affects the person because it prevents them from stopping being in contact with their environment in a healthy way. For this reason, the fear of missing out on something can be considered a psychological disorder linked to the social sphere.

This anxiety disorder can be included within the group of specific phobias that the DSM-V raises^[1]. Below we show you the diagnostic criteria from FOMO:

• Fear and/or anxiety in the face of a specific situation or object, in this case, the fear of missing out on something.
• Fear and/or anxiety disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the specific situation or object.
• Anguish over the fear of being judged negatively.
• Deterioration of social, work and family relationships.
• Duration of six months or more.
• The alterations cannot be explained by the presence of another mental disorder or by the intake of toxic substances or medications.

There are some physical, emotional and behavioral manifestations that allow us to detect this irrational fear of missing out on something. In this way, the most relevant symptoms of FOMO are:

• Unsafety.
• Catastrophic thoughts about the loss.
• Constant fear of devaluation.
• Unhappiness.
• intense distress.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Constant consultation of social networks.
• Need for permanent approval.
• Shortness of breath.
• palpitations.
• excessive sweating
• In some cases, dizziness and vomiting.

It should be noted that the presence of any of these symptoms in isolation does not necessarily represent a FOMO picture. Therefore, the definitive diagnosis must be made by a mental health professional who evaluates the clinical conditions of each person.

To address FOMO in greater depth, it is essential to know the possible origins of this pathology. Next, we explain the main causes:

Environmental factors

In general terms, FOMO or fear of missing out can be related to having suffered significant losses during childhood. These may include members of the family environment, valuables or specific situations, among others. On the other hand, it is possible that the person has also gone through painful situations in which they have not been accepted for various reasons.

In these cases, the need to be present in an infinity of moments appears as a response to these insecurities.

Genetic factors

The brain chemistry is another factor to take into account when finding the origins of FOMO. In this sense, it is important to take into account that there are certain neural connections linked to the processing of information from abroad. Given this, it is possible that people react with intense fear as a means of expression in the face of these scenarios.

How to treat FOMO syndrome? Currently, there are some approaches that improve the quality of life of people with this problem. The most effective treatments to treat the fear of missing something are:

psychological therapy

Therapy is a space that invites reflect on actions, emotions and thoughts that a person can have and the problems they cause. On the one hand, short-term psychological therapies focus on reducing symptoms and providing tools to deal with social situations that produce high levels of anxiety, such as those in the FOMO. The main approach of this type of therapy is the cognitive behavioral therapy.

On the other hand, long-term therapies seek to find the origin of a person's conflicts so that they adopt other alternatives when facing their difficulties. The most important long-term therapeutic approach is psychoanalysis.

psychiatric medication

In cases of considerable severity, the supply of psychiatric drugs may be a viable option to decrease the intensity of symptoms. However, it is necessary that the person is first evaluated by a health professional who supervises this treatment.

This article is merely informative, at 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 FOMO (fear of missing out): what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

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

• Soriano-Sanchez, J.G. (2022). Psychological factors and consequences of the Fear of Missing Out Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Journal of Psychology and Education, 17 (1), 69-78.