Fear of phobias is also known as phobophobia. It is an anxiety disorder that can have a self-replicating cycle, something that results in an increase in other fears. Some people with phobophobia have one or more existing phobias while others are simply afraid of developing one. Phobophobia can sometimes be linked to other anxiety disorders.

Phobophobia with established phobia

If you already have an established phobia, it is more likely that you can develop phobophobia. This is because a common symptom of any phobia is anticipatory anxiety and this causes an increase in fear at times when you could have a confrontation with the object or cause of fear .

Therefore, people with phobophobia may be afraid of the original trigger but also of the reaction to it. Over time, the fear can worsen and turn into phobophobia.

Phobophobia without established phobia

It is possible to develop phobia even if you have never had a real phobia before. For example, you might worry that you will develop a phobia or something you want, or that you will develop a phonic reaction that may limit your daily activities. You do not have any real phobia but you fear that it may happen to you and that it limits your life.

Phobophobia is an anxiety disorder that is rooted in the basic fear of developing a disease. Once you understand that phobias are a life-limiting condition, it is not difficult to understand that a phobia could become an object of fear in and of itself.

Self-fulfilling prophecies

Phobophobia is interesting because it is one of the only disease fears that can lead to the dreaded outcome.  While the fear of cancer (carcinophobia) does not increase your chances of developing it, the fear of phobias can lead to a phobia.

How does that happen? Gradually limit your activities in an increasing attempt to minimize your exposure to fearful reactions. Over time, this can lead to agoraphobia. If your fear is focused on a specific object or situation, you can gradually develop a phobia of that object or situation.

Better understanding phobophobia

Like all phobias, phobophobia is an exaggerated fear response.  While in other phobias, the irrationally augmented response is focused on a specific object or situation, in phobophobia, fear is the fear response itself.

If you have phobia, you are likely the opposite of an adrenaline junkie. Instead of experiencing an emotion when facing your fears, you can avoid any situation that causes the slightest bit of anxiety.

This instinct for self-protection can have devastating effects on your work or everyday life, allowing you to minimize risks that could lead to great rewards. It can also have an impact on your social life by inducing him to avoid situations that you perceive as anxiety inducing.

Can phobophobia be treated?

Phobophobia generally responds well to standard phobia treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis. However, since phobophobia is often linked to other anxiety disorders, it is important to treat all conditions simultaneously.

Ideally, go to a psychologist who thoroughly diagnoses all applicable disorders and creates a treatment plan that is personalized and meets your individual needs. Phobophobia can be difficult to control if you do it on your own, but with proper treatment and follow-up, you will not have any problems and you can improve your quality of life.

There will be no reason to limit your life in any way. In this sense, if you think you may have phobodphobia, first go to your family doctor and then look for a therapist who can help you redirect your mental health towards a better path for your well-being.  

Elle Mcdonald

I am Elle Mcdonald Specializations in Psychology . Graduated in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 2000. Diploma of Advanced Studies in the Department of Personality, Evaluation and psychological treatments with excellent results.

First Level of Master in Clinical Psychology at the Center for Behavioral Therapists (recognized with a scientific-professional nature by the College of Psychologists)

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