What is Trypophobia? Know its cause, risk factor and treatment.
Do you become uncomfortable and nauseous when you view a lotus seed pod, honeycomb, sea sponge, or soap bubble?
A version or fear of groups of tiny holes, bumps, or patterns is known as trypophobia. People display signs of revulsion or terror when they witness this kind of cluster. Seed pods and close-up photographs of someone’s pores are a few of examples of things that could elicit a panic response.
Every time they encounter patterns made up of holes or spots, people with trypophobia experience a significant physical and emotional reaction. The discomfort increases as the number of circles increases.
IS TRYPOPHOBIA A REAL PHOBIA?
The American Psychiatric Association defines true phobias as those that interfere with your daily activities due to a significant amount of anxiety and worry (APA). That standard is not met by trypophobia.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a sizable book listing all recognized mental diseases and their symptoms, does not formally acknowledge this ailment. Trypophobia, according to experts, is more likely disgust than fear.
WHAT CAUSES TRYPOPHOBIA
Regarding the etiology of trypophobia, researchers have several theories.
The strong response could be a defense mechanism against danger. Many of the world’s most lethal creatures, including the king cobra, puffer fish, and poison dart frog, have patterns resembling holes on their skin. These patterns resemble those that trypophobic individuals find bothersome.
Circular skin rashes are brought on by deadly illnesses like measles and smallpox. Trypophobia may have evolved as a defense mechanism for people to avoid getting sick.
Another possibility is that the visuals themselves cause terror. The contrast between light and dark in images of holes could be particularly jarring for certain people. According to researchers, patterns with holes have a certain visual energy that can elicit an unpleasant response.
RISK FACTORS
Trypophobia study is still in its early stages, therefore it’s unclear exactly what elements can make you more likely to become afraid of holes.
Having said that, it’s not unusual for a phobia to start following an unpleasant or upsetting occurrence involving the phobic object.
Rendering to the possible origins of trypophobia, it’s likely that your phobia started as a result of coming into contact with a poisonous snake, becoming exposed to an infectious skin condition, or experiencing another trypophobia trigger.
According to some experts, social anxiety is the source of the phobia. If you are tense in social situations, circles might be unsettling since they resemble groups of eyes or people staring at you.
Women experience trypophobia more frequently than do males. Moreover, it runs in families. In one study, almost 25% of those with trypophobia also had a close relative who also had the disorder. 19% of people with trypophobia had diagnosis of MDD, and around 17.5% people had been diagnosed with GAD.1
Some people who fear hole patterns also suffer from other types of mental illness, including:
- MDD- Major Depression
- GAD- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- OCD- obsessive compulsive disorder
- BPD- Bipolar Personality Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety
Research found a connection between trypophobia and social anxiety, which may mean that for persons with social anxiety, their fear of holes is actually a fear of eyes or the human gaze. When you see groups of holes, you could feel as though numerous eyes are staring back at you, which can be distressing and uncomfortable.2
HOW IS TRYPOPHOBIA TREATED?
Exposure therapy may help if Trypophobia prevents you from participating in particular activities or enjoying life. In order to help you control your reactions, this therapy gradually exposes you to Trypophobia stimuli. Nine out of ten clients who get this form of psychotherapy (talk therapy) succeed in overcoming particular phobic disorders.
When you receive exposure therapy, your therapist will:
- Teach you how to breathe and relax both before and during exposures.
- Help you control your response by displaying photos or videos of collections or patterns of holes.
- Gradually increases the exposures until you are holding or touching a sponge-like object with a holey design.
Additionally, cognitive behavioral treatment is an option (CBT). Your views and reactions to situations that cause trypophobia can be altered with the use of this therapy.
People with phobic disorders are typically not helped by anti-anxiety drugs. Your doctor can suggest anti-anxiety medication if you know you’ll be in a setting that could set off a reaction.
SELF HELP TO MINIMIZE TRYPOPHOBIA
In order to assist you in controlling your anxiety and emotional distress, your therapist could suggest additional techniques. These could consist of:
- Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing are examples of relaxation practices.
- Spending time in calm settings such as nature.
- To reduce stress, practice mindful breathing, observation, listening, and other mindfulness techniques.
- Making time for interesting pursuits and interests.
- Even though taking care of your physical health may not immediately address your phobia, practicing proper self-care will help you feel more in control of your anxiety and other symptoms.
TAKEAWAY FROM HOPEQURE
The next beneficial step is to speak with an expert mental health professional from HopeQure if your symptoms are upsetting you emotionally and are interfering with your daily activities and functioning.
Although experts may not yet officially classify the fear of holes as a phobia, your symptoms however not unreal.
They can assist you in examining potential reasons, triggers, and effective techniques for controlling anxiety, disgust, overthinking, and other undesirable Trypophobia-related emotions.
