How common is arachnophobia?
Around the world, between 3% and 15% of individuals have been diagnosed with specific phobias, with the fear of animals and heights being the most prevalent. 1 Keep in mind that while the fear of spiders is common, not every person who feels afraid or on edge around them has arachnophobia.
Why does arachnophobia exist?
Psychologists believe that one reason why people fear spiders is because of some direct experience with the arachnids instilled that fear in them. This is known as the “conditioning” view of arachnophobia. (This gender bias in arachnophobia has been supported subsequent research.) There was also an effect from family.
Can you cure arachnophobia?
Often, a combination of counseling and medication may be used to treat arachnophobia. Relaxation techniques such as meditation also can be helpful in the treatment of arachnophobia. As with other phobias, arachnophobia can be treated with exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Does everyone have arachnophobia?
A study led by Graham Davey of City University London found that arachnophobia might be a family trait. Out of 118 participants surveyed, 75% reported being afraid of spiders.
What is a Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia?
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is one of the longest words in the dictionary — and, in an ironic twist, is the name for a fear of long words. Sesquipedalophobia is another term for the phobia. The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t officially recognize this phobia.
What is the rarest fear in the world?
Rare and Uncommon Phobias
- Ablutophobia | Fear of bathing.
- Arachibutyrophobia | Fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.
- Arithmophobia | Fear of math.
- Chirophobia | Fear of hands.
- Chloephobia | Fear of newspapers.
- Globophobia (Fear of balloons)
- Omphalophobia | Fear of Umbilicus (Bello Buttons)
Is arachnophobia a mental illness?
/ By /. Arachnophobia is an anxiety disorder revolving around the fear of spiders. It is actually one of the most common specific phobias. According to the American Psychiatric Association , a specific phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that is recognized by an extreme, persistent and irrational fear of the presence of a specific thing.
How many people are affected by Arachnophobia?
Arachnophobia is the technical term for the fear of spiders. Approximately 3.5 to 6.1 percent of the population suffer from this phobia. Exposure therapy is the most common form of treatment.
What are symptoms of Arachnophobia?
Some sufferers have such an intense fear that they may suffer anxiety or panic if they are near webs or even see pictures of spiders. Symptoms of arachnophobia include emotional outbursts, trouble breathing, sweating, heart palpitations and nausea.