Zoophobia
The Fear of Animals
What is Zoophobia?
Zoophobia is the fear of animals. This fear is irrational, unwarranted, and persistent. These animals are both categorized as "Harmless and Cuddly" as well as "Dangerous"
Causes
This phobia is very commonly caused by a negative experience as a child. For example, being bitten by a dog or chased by a goat. Many times, if a parent has a phobia their children can develop the same phobia. It is not known if this is a cause of genetics or a learned behavior.
Types
Fear Relevant Animals
This is a fear of animals that are classified as dangerous. One example of this may be large predators.
Fear Irrelevant Animals
These animals are the cute and cuddly animals, such as a kitten or bunny.
Disgusting Relevant Animals
Animals in this category fall under the tiles of icky, gross, disgusting, Most animals that trigger zoophobia are in this category. This includes lizards, frogs, snakes, spiders, cockroaches, and maggots.
It is essential to note that not all fear of animals can be labeled as Zoophobia. The latter is a persistent, unwarranted and irrational fear of animals no matter how non dangerous or harmless they are. In other cases, the fear of snakes and spiders can be considered as quite common and necessary.
~ fearof.netSymptoms
Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- feeling dizzy/ fainting
- feeling like choking/ dying
remaining frozen in place
elevated heart rate
rapid, shallow breathing
sweating/ trembling
trying to flee
constant visions of being attacked by animal
The mere thought of encountering this animal can cause severe stress and anxiety for the person suffering. Often times, the person this is affecting will refuse to leave their home.
When living with a phobia, there is also commonly social isolation, depression, substance abuse, and high rates of suicide.
Treatment Options
Behavior Therapy
Behavioral Therapy has proven to be very effective. This allows the patient to change their behavior to make their phobia bearable enough to live with. This can also include writing or talking about their phobia to help them cope.
Medications
Used as a last resort, medications to lessen stress and anxiety may also be utilized. However, they do not want to use this method unless completely necessary.
Gradual Desensitization
One of the most common treatment options, desensitization shows the patient pictures of their feared animal in a controlled environment. Hopefully, in this setting, it will be easier to control their stress and anxiety. The ideal result would be the ability to control themselves when faced with this animal.