Ophidiophobia or snake phobia is one of the most common types of herpetophobia, the fear of reptiles, and refers to the fear of snakes. This type of phobia is thought to be caused by genetic factors or trauma. Snake phobia negatively affects a person's sense of confidence and daily life. These fears, which are seen as a type of anxiety disorder, can be controlled with treatment methods such as exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Most people are afraid of snakes. However, for people with snake phobia, this fear is very intense and extreme. It has very negative effects on a person's life, health and sense of security. For this reason, snake phobia is among the phobias that need to be treated. Psychotherapy techniques applied by specialized psychologists or therapists play an important role in the treatment of such phobias.
Why does ophidiophobia (snake phobia) occur?
The causes of ophidiophobia are not completely clear. It is thought that some negative experiences, traumas or genetic factors in childhood are among the factors that cause this condition. The factors that cause snake phobia are as follows:
Genetics: Any phobia that parents or family members have in their medical history makes it more likely that others will develop it.
Learned Behavior: Having a close acquaintance or relative with such phobias during childhood can trigger the development of a phobia of fear of snakes.
Traumas: A phobia may develop after being bitten by a snake or being overly affected by a movie about snakes. Generally, such events can be memorized during childhood and may develop in later periods.
What are the Symptoms of Ophidiophobia (Snake Phobia)?
Individuals with snake phobia may experience some symptoms of panic and anxiety as a result of exposure to this situation. Some psychological and physical symptoms may occur when a snake is encountered, when a snake-like sound is heard, when a different person talks about snakes, when thinking about snakes, and when seeing a picture or movie of a snake.
Thesymptoms of ophidiophobia are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Excessive feelings of fear or terror
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Too much sweating
- Heartbeat acceleration
- Breathing difficulties
- Tremor
- Thoughts of running and hiding
Diagnosis of Ophidiophobia (Snake Phobia)
There is no definitive medical test or examination for the diagnosis of ophidiophobia . It is tried to be determined on the basis of some issues addressed through specialist doctors, psychologists or therapists and interviews with the patient.
The signs and symptoms that arise as a result of the patient's experiences are learned. It is also important how long the condition has been experienced. What kind of impact it has on the person's life and its negative effects on their daily life are listened to. As a result of the evaluations, a diagnosis can be made by specialists.
In addition, the thought or encounter with a snake causes extreme anxiety and stress. In order for it to affect daily life, it must persist for at least six months. Physical symptoms occur as a result of anxiety or panic attacks.
Ophidiophobia (Snake Phobia) Treatment
In cases where the fear of snakes is mild, it may not need to be treated. However, if the anxiety, fear and panic attacks cause physical symptoms or negative effects on daily life, treatment is necessary. Ophidiophobia can be treated with a number of therapies and techniques.
The methods applied in the treatment of snake phobia are as follows:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
With cognitive behavioral therapy, the patient's thoughts and feelings are identified and the patient is expected to express them. The therapist or psychologist, who is in conversation with the patient, asks questions and tries to determine the cause of these fears. Negative thoughts that arise as a result of thoughts on this subject are tried to be eliminated.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy allows the patient to gradually confront his or her fears. In a controlled and safe environment, the patient is exposed to the thought of a snake. People who successfully pass these stages are told to imagine the snake in the following processes to complete the treatment. The treatment is then completed by exposing the patient to the snake itself. With these methods, fears are taught to be managed.
Hypnotherapy
Like other treatments, hypnotherapy should be performed by specialists. In this method applied to the patient under hypnosis, negative thoughts are replaced with positive thoughts and snake phobia is eliminated.
How Can I Cope with Fear of Snakes?
Most people are afraid of snakes. However, this situation can be considered normal. People with snake phobia may panic excessively and exhibit some physical symptoms when exposed to the thought of a snake, the word snake or any snake-related situation.
In order to cope with this situation, it is necessary to get support from experts and learn some techniques. Practices that can be done to control and reduce the anxiety, worry and panic situations that arise are as follows:
- Breathing Exercises
- Muscle relaxation
- Meditation
- Yoga