What is Chronophobia (Fear of Time)?

What is Chronophobia (Fear of Time)?

Chronophobia is an extreme fear of the passage and progression of time. Fear of time is a type of anxiety disorder. Especially the elderly, sick and incarcerated people are more likely to develop such fears. People with this type of phobia feel intense discomfort and fear when they think about the passing of time. They also have obsessive behaviors related to time. These behaviors can cause depression and negatively affect the person's daily life. Treatment can be done with psychotherapy techniques.

People with time phobia may fear getting older and worry about their own mortality. Some people may be obsessed with looking at the clock or marking days on a calendar. In some cases, the worries, fears and anxieties are more severe and can lead to panic attacks, withdrawal from society (social isolation) and problems in relationships.

What Causes Chronophobia (Fear of Time)?

There is no scientific data to explain exactly why and how phobias occur. However, it is thought that phobias may develop due to some factors and some situations may cause these phobias. Environmental and genetic factors are generally thought to be among the causes of chronophobia.
Being incarcerated, having a life-threatening illness or experiencing a traumatic event can cause a fear of time. Individuals with anxiety, worry, worry, depression and psychological problems are more likely to develop some phobias.
Individuals with mental illnesses, mood disorders and some phobias that run in the family are more likely to develop a fear of time.

What are the Symptoms of Chronophobia (Fear of Time)?

Many of the symptoms of fear of time are similar to those of different phobias. Excessive anxiety about the passage and progression of time is the symptom that distinguishes it from other phobias. In severe cases or in the absence of treatment for a long time, symptoms and signs may increase and can seriously affect the person's daily life.
Chronophobia symptoms can be listed as follows:
Physical Symptoms;

  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Tremor
  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • Heart palpitations
  • Stomach problems, nausea or indigestion
  • Breathing difficulties

Psychological Symptoms;

  • The passage of time is not normal, it is felt to move fast or slow
  • Awareness that fears are exaggerated, but this cannot be controlled
  • Unexplained anxiety and fear
  • Panic attacks
  • A depressed mood
  • Social isolation
  • Excessive anxiety and worry

Risk Factors for Chronophobia (Fear of Time)

Some people are more likely to have phobias. Fear of time is one of these phobias. The person's age, illnesses, some traumatic events or negative experiences are among the risk factors for chronophobia .
Factors that can cause time phobia can be listed as follows:

Sick or Elderly People
For the elderly or people with life-threatening conditions, the passage of time can cause fear and anxiety. Over time, these fears can intensify and turn into a phobia.

People in Prison
Fear of time is also common among incarcerated people. This condition is also called prison neurosis. These people may obsess about the passage of time and the passing of days. They also count down the days.

Traumas
Some people may have negative experiences and traumatic events. Some phobias may develop as a result of such situations. Some kind of natural disaster or life-threatening traumatic events can lead to a fear of time.

Psychological problems
People with generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks or other phobias are more likely to develop phobias. Phobias are also more likely to occur in people with depression or substance abuse.

Diagnosis of Chronophobia (Fear of Time)

There is no medical test or practice that provides definitive results for the diagnosis of chronophobia . In cases where the patient thinks that he/she has this type of phobia and symptoms appear, this situation can be clarified by getting support from a specialist.
Experts may ask the patient some questions in order to make a definitive assessment about this condition. They will find out about the symptoms the patient is experiencing, their medical history or whether they have other phobias. The patient may also be asked to undergo tests to find out whether there is another disease or condition underlying such disorders.
When it is determined that the underlying causes are due to mental problems, treatment planning should be made. It is important how long the fears and anxieties persist. If they persist for more than at least six months, they may need to be treated as they may negatively affect the quality of life of the person.

Chronophobia (Fear of Time) Treatment

Chronophobia can be treated with some personalized therapy methods. Since the severity of such fears can vary from person to person, the treatment should also be different. Treatment methods include psychotherapy, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy or different breathing and meditation techniques.

Exposure Therapy
It is the standard treatment method for specific phobias. Treatment is tried to be provided by exposure to the fears experienced. Since patients with time phobia do not have an object that can cause them to be afraid, exposure therapy involves recreating the conditions of the passing time. These situations are ordered from the ones that cause the least anxiety and fear to the ones that cause the most anxiety and fear and are confronted one by one until they become bearable.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help the patient gain a different perspective on their phobia. The patient is taught how to react in situations where fears are likely to arise and how to take them under control.
In addition, hypnotherapy applications can be applied to the patient by experts in the field in order to manage the fears and anxieties experienced. Meditation and yoga techniques and breathing exercises are taught to control anxiety.
There is no medication that can treat this type of phobia. Since such phobias can cause psychological problems, medications prescribed by specialist doctors can be used to control depression, anxiety or mood disorders.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At02 February 2023
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