What is Zoophobia (fear of animals)?

What is Zoophobia (fear of animals)?

Phobia, which is a type of anxiety disorder, is defined as an intense level of fear that an individual feels towards a certain situation, living or non-living species or place. Individuals with phobias perceive certain risks as more threatening than they should be, and avoid these risky situations at a significant level. When these individuals are confronted with the conditions that are the object of the phobia, they experience a huge problem. This can manifest itself in the form of complete panic and a sense of terror. Animal phobia can have many causes, but it is also possible to overcome this feeling. Not every fear of animals is considered zoophobia (fear of animals).

Zoophobia is the fear of animals. This problem, which usually occurs in young children, can also occur in adults. For sick people, zoophobia can be very stressful because many people make animals a part of their lives and animals that are not humanized are widely seen in the world. There are various treatment methods for people with this problem.

Why Does Zoophobia Occur?

Individuals with this problem develop a fear of animals in various aspects. This fear can be seen against all kinds of animals, whether large or small. Sometimes people with zoophobia have a fear of many animals, and sometimes they may experience a single type of fear. The most common zoophobia in society is a fear of dogs, cats and insects. The main basis of these fears can be childhood traumas or disorders in the functioning of the brain. Therefore, zoophobia can be treated with psychological support and the source of the fear can be identified.

The types of animals that are feared also vary between cultures. For example, it is quite common to be afraid of spiders in England, while spider phobia is not common in our country. Some people with animal phobia state that their phobia started after a bad experience with that animal. Dog bites are an example of this situation. For others, no such initiating factor can be found. Typically, the phobic patient develops an avoidance behavior that allows them to lead a comfortable everyday life. They may not watch documentaries on television about the feared animals. Where to visit depends on certain conditions.

What are the reactions of people with zoophobia?

Whether one has zoophobia or not can be easily understood when faced with animals. If the person has the following reactions, zoophobia can be mentioned;

  • Increased heart rate
  • State of fear
  • Don't panic
  • Anger
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Distancing
  • Don't cry

What are the Zoophobia Treatment Methods?

Among these, behavioral therapy provides the best help to sick people. In this treatment technique, patients share their phobia about the animal they fear with the therapist and explain the reason for this according to themselves. During the treatment process, desensitization sessions can be organized for the patient, during which the reactions to animals and animal shapes are examined and efforts are made to get the individual used to this situation.

In addition, some medications can be used to combat the fear of the affected person. These medications have the effect of causing the affected person not to react when they encounter the animals they are afraid of. However, it is not recommended to use medication in the first place, the main technique is to address the fear.

For example, asking the person why are you afraid of cats, did they hurt you? Did you have a memory with cats when you were young? The person will try to answer these questions. However, the subconscious also plays an important role.

Zoophobia is an important phenomenon; people who are afraid of animals should be treated patiently and persuaded to seek psychological help. Otherwise, it is not healthy to humiliate or ridicule people; in such cases, people may become more emotionally stressed and the phobia may worsen.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At19 January 2023
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