Andre
Entomophobia is a mental condition that makes you have an extreme and unrealistic fear of insects. It’s a specific phobia because it focuses on a particular object.
However, there’s a difference between entomophobia and dislike for insects. You may naturally dislike insects, yet you don’t have extreme fear for them. Surprisingly, if this diagnosable mental condition goes unchecked, it could destabilize you and interfere with your daily activities.
Unlike what most people think, insectophobia is real. People suffering from the condition may find it difficult to live a normal life. It comes with serious distress that could degenerate to a more severe anxiety disorder.
During my high school days, I met a guy who had a severe case of entomophobia. Whenever someone mentions any insect, he trembles and starts maintaining a safe, clean space around himself.
However, there are other phobias related to insectophobia. Some of them are; acaraphobia, the extreme and unrealistic fear of tiny crawling insects like termites, fleas; apiphobia, the fear of bees, katsaridaphobia, the fear of cockroaches.
What are the Symptoms of Entomophobia?
If you have entomophobia, you will understand that your fear of insects that don’t pose any danger is irrational. Yet, you will always freak out whenever you see insects around.
Some of the symptoms of entomophobia are:
- Extreme and unrealistic fear whenever you see or think about insects
- When an insect comes closer, you freak out with anxiety.
- When you are unable to control your fear of insects, even if you know that it’s irrational.
- Inability to function productively because of fear of seeing insects around
- Avoiding places like parks, basements, or outdoor activities because of insects
People suffering from this anxiety disorder also experience the following physical symptoms:
- Chest tightness
- Hyperventilation
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Panic attack
- Dry mouth
- Shaking or trembling
- Uncontrollable crying in the case of children
What are the Causes of Entomophobia?
Like most other phobias, experts haven’t been able to discover the actual cause. However, some factors, including age, can trigger it.
Ordinarily, most cases of entomophobia develop from childhood, but adults can develop it as well.
Some of the factors that could cause insectophobia are;
- Genetics: Different studies suggest that genetics could trigger entomophobia and other anxiety disorders.
- Negative Experience: A negative experience you have in the past could instill the irrational fear of certain situations or objects in you. For instance, if you were stung by wasps as a child, you are likely to develop a serious phobia for it.
- Family: Family may play a role in the development of entomophobia in a child. If you have a mom who always screams whenever she sees a spider or any other insect, you are likely to develop a phobia for those insects.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: If you have a brain injury like concussion, you are prone to developing an anxiety disorder. According to experts, brain injury has the potential of predisposing your brain to fear experienced after the injury.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Insectophobia?
Before a trained health professional concludes that you have entomophobia, he will conduct a detailed clinical interview with you. He will also review your symptoms, medical, and psychiatric history.
Insectophobia diagnosis is based on clinical interviews. And your healthcare professional must adhere to the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines.
What Are the Treatment Options for Entomophobia?
If your irrational fear of insects is affecting the quality of your life, you need to undergo phobia treatment.
Generally, the best way to treat entomophobia and other types of phobias are through psychotherapy. However, your healthcare provider may recommend that you undergo more than one therapy, depending on the severeness of your condition.
Here are some of the treatment options for entomophobia;
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is one of the most effective treatment options for insectophobia. It involves gradually exposing you to that specific object that inspires the phobia. This approach helps to change your response to insects. It’s also called systematic desensitization.
However, exposure therapy is systematic. It starts with talking about the irrational fear you have with your therapists. After which, he will show you pictures and videos of the insects before giving you real-time experience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps to focus your thoughts on the source of your phobia and how it affects you negatively. This treatment option uses a blend of exposure and behavioral therapy to change how you think and react to your triggers.
However, cognitive-behavioural therapy has one goal – to give you control over your thoughts so that you don’t freak out with fear anymore whenever you see insects.
Medications
Like I mentioned earlier, psychotherapy is the most effective treatment method for phobia and other anxiety disorders. But there are instances when your doctor may recommend you taking certain medications to reduce your anxiety and other symptoms. Some of these medications are;
- Drugs benzodiazepines help to reduce anxiety. However, it’s only recommended for a short term because it’s a type of sedative which could be addictive.
- Beta-blockers are also effective in treating entomophobia. They help to prevent an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, heart palpitations and shaking, which could affect adrenaline.
- The use of antidepressants is also effective for calming anxiety and fear.
However, anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blocks are yet to be approved by the FDA for treating phobias.
At-Home Treatment
Sometimes, adhering to certain lifestyles could help to reduce anxiety and your uncontrolled fear of insects. If you engage in any of the following activities over time, your response towards insects and other objects may change;
- Active participation in yoga, meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, and relaxation techniques.
- Practicing mindfulness.
- Exercising regularly.
- Take less caffeine and other stimulants.
- If possible, join a support group.
Conclusion
Like most other phobias, insectophobia is curable if you use the right treatment. So, if you think your fear for insects is irrational and could disrupt your life and possibly cause anxiety, reach out to your healthcare provider. You can find a good therapist who has experience in treating phobias.
