Zoophobia: Symptoms, causes, treatment

Zoophobia is characterized by a fear of one or more animals. According to research, agoraphobia is the most common among specific phobias. Usually, if the level is not too severe, some measures can be used to overcome this condition, but if it affects the patient's life much, it needs to be treated.

Zoophobia is related to the fear of animals, usually this fear will be directed at a specific type of animal such as fear of mice, fear of spiders... However, a person has phobia Animals can also be afraid of all or many different types of animals.
Zoophobia is the most common phobia, of specific types of phobia. Some animal-related phobias are more common than others. Includes:
Ailurophobia (fear of cats) Arachnophobia (fear of spiders) Chiratophobia (fear of bats) Cynophobia (fear of dogs) Entomophobia (fear of insects) Equinophobia (fear of horses) Herpetophobia (fear of reptiles) Ichthyophobia (fear of fish) Musophobia (fear of mice and rats) Ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) Ornithophobia (fear of birds) Ranidaphobia (fear of frogs and toads)

One of the main symptoms of agoraphobia is an overwhelming fear of that animal. This fear is often more exaggerated than the threat posed by the animal. Intense fear when this animal appears or even when not actually present.
A person with agoraphobia may also experience fear thinking, speaking, hearing about an animal or seeing pictures or videos of an animal... Or may avoid activities that keep them going contact with animals. Some examples include avoiding nature documentaries, going to the zoo, or even going to a friend's house when they have a pet. In addition, when a person has a fear of animals, there may also be physical symptoms when interacting with animals such as: Increased heart rate, chest tightness, increased sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, nausea, feeling sick. lightheadedness or fainting. For children with agoraphobia, other symptoms may appear, including crying, clinging to adults...

The exact cause of agoraphobia is not clear. However, it is possible that a number of factors contribute to the development of this condition, including:
Negative experiences: Having a negative experience with an animal can make you afraid of it. Learned Behavioral Fear: We can also learn to fear animals from people close to us, such as a parent or sibling. For example, if your parents are afraid of spiders, you can learn to be afraid of spiders as well. Genetic factors: This condition can be inherited and plays a different role in specific phobias. Due to the animal's ability to process fear: Everyone has the ability to process fear and anxiety in different ways. Some people may be more anxious than others, making them more likely to develop a specific phobia.

Treatment is provided when animal phobia affects quality of life and relationships with those around them. Treatment can use a variety of measures to help alleviate the fear of animals. Some treatments for agoraphobia include:
Exposure therapy During treatment, your doctor gradually exposes you to the object of your fear. The steps of exposure will gradually increase according to the anxiety of the person with this condition.
For example, when you have a fear of birds (ornithophobia), the practice of this therapy can evolve over time with a scenario that follows these steps:
First think about birds. Talk about birds. Look at the picture of a bird. Hear the birdsong. Watch a video reel of different types of birds. Go to the zoo to see the birds. Touch or pet a bird. Letting a bird perch on your body like it would on your arm or shoulder During exposure therapy, your therapist will also teach you skills to help you manage the anxiety that occurs as a result of contact therapy. your fear phobia like relaxation breathing skills.
Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy is often combined with exposure therapy. When combined you will deal with the negative thoughts and feelings that lead to your phobia. You will then reframe these beliefs and emotions with the aim of alleviating the fear.
Medication Use In some cases, medication can be used to treat symptoms to help you cope with anxiety during treatment. Drugs can be used as beta-blockers and sedatives.

There are several steps you can take to limit your fear of animals, such as:
Try to limit certain activities that may have animals causing you to have phobias. Taking good care of yourself by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help reduce your symptoms. Learn and try stress reduction techniques: Try to find ways to reduce the stress caused by the animal you fear. Examples include yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. Engage in networking activities such as talking to others, such as family and friends, about how you are feeling. Zoophobia can make you afraid of one or more animals, the most common of which are snakes and spiders. If you have an animal-related fear that significantly affects your life, you should see and talk to a psychologist. agoraphobia can be treated with psychotherapy and sometimes medication.
Psychological Clinic - Vinmec International General Hospital operates with the function of examination, counseling and outpatient treatment of psychological problems and psychological health. With modern equipment, the clinic is currently cooperating with experienced professors and experts along with implementing psychological tests and intensive psychotherapy for diagnosis and treatment. treatment, in order to bring about the best treatment effect.
When there is a problem of examination and treatment, customers can go to Vinmec for advice by a team of qualified doctors.

Reference source: healthline.com