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Fear of reptiles From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Herpetophobia[1] is a common specific phobia, which consists of fear or aversion to reptiles, commonly lizards and snakes, and similar vertebrates as amphibians. It is one of the most diffused[2] animal phobias, very similar and related to ophidiophobia. This condition causes a slight to severe emotional reaction, for example anxiety, panic attack or most commonly nausea.[3] Herpetophobia is a common phobia Phobia and comes in many forms. Some people have fears of just looking at a reptile, some have fears of touching a reptile, and some cannot even stand knowing a reptile is in their space. Due to the specific type of phobia, there are no individual statistics for those who suffer from herpetophobia. Not everyone who is scared or has a fear of reptiles has herpetophobia.
| Herpetophobia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A U.S. Air Force Airman handles a snake to overcome herpetophobia. | |
| Specialty | Psychology |
The cause of the phobia is different for everyone and varies from person to person, meaning that the cause is still unknown. The phobia is likely to be caused by an experience that is traumatic either negative, scary experience, or painful experience. Herpetophobia can affect people of all ages but is more common in children. Herpetophobia may also be caused by a family member's same fear making the other person also scared and gain the phobia. Seeing another person having a phobia it may make someone else scared and maybe frightened by the reptile.
The physiological signs are when an individual is unable to control the fear, anxiety, and panic that arises even when those who are experiencing the fear are not in danger. When you are around reptiles you are unable to function or concentrate. Some physical symptoms Signs and symptoms include:
In some instances, people who have Herpetophobia may cry, freeze, and cling to others in their environment.
![Thumb](#/media/File:Reptiles_en_el_Museo_Universitario_de_Historia_Natural_"Dr._Manuel_M._Villada"_UAEMéx_03.jpg)
This is an image that may cause herpetophobia due to its realistic features.
Those with herpetophobia tend to go out of their way to avoid the reptile and will do anything to avoid herpetophobia. This may lead to self-isolation, and depression, and change the way they live. The sufferers may affect their work and social lives which can lead to isolation.
Those with herpetophobia may utilize two types of therapy. One is exposure therapy, which is when your therapist slowly introduces you to reptiles. Some types of Exposure therapy include:
The second type is Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is used to help identify and change the negative experience you had with reptiles. The third type is desensitization therapy Desensitization (psychology) where the doctor allows the treatment process to progress on its own which may help to reduce the discomfort those feel while facing their fear. Some coping mechanisms that may work are:
Some medications that have been found beneficial for herpetophobia are Benzodiazepine, Antidepressant, and Beta blocker. The drugs aren’t a cure, but they are used to help cope with the phobia and may only be effective for a short amount of time.
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