ARACHNOPHOBIA-How to cope with it?

Edited by, SOWNDHARYA

Arachnophobia refers to the intense fear of spiders. While its not uncommon for people to dislike arachnids or insects, phobias of spiders can have a far more significant impact on a person's life. A phobia itself is more than just fear. Its an intense and overwhelming emotion that can make a person feel like they are under a serious threat. Arachnophobia can prevent people from participating in certain events or situations because their mind tells they are in danger from spiders.

FEAR OF SPIDERS VS SPIDERWEBS:

Both the intense fear of spiders and spiderwebs are types of specific phobias. These types of phobias center around single items compared to more complex phobias, such as social anxiety. Arachnophobia is one of the most common specific phobias a person can develop.

A fear of spiderwebs falls under the same umbrella of arachnophobia. A person might have a fear of both spiders and spiderwebs, or just spiders individually. For some, seeing a spiderweb can lead to the intense worry over seeing a spider next.

CAUSES OF ARACHNOPHOBIA:

A phobia refers to a significant, irrational fear of animals, objects and places, as well as certain situations. These intense fears often stem from negative past experiences. So, in the case of arachnophobia, it's possible to have a debilitating fear of spiders due to a negative encounter with these arthropods. Phobias are also linked with anxiety disorders, some of which may be genetic. These include generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorders.

It's also possible to develop arachnophobia from the environment. If a person grows up with parents or other loved ones who had an intense fear of spiders, they may be at an increased risk of developing the same fears.

SYMPTOMS:

Phobia symptoms most often occur when the person is put in the situation that they fear. With arachnophobia, they may not experience symptoms until they see a spider. It's also possible to experience the symptoms if they are just thinking about spiders, or perhaps seeing pictures of them.

Evidence trusted sources shows that many people with arachnophobia overestimate the likelihood of encountering spiders. Such phobias can also cause to overestimate a spider's size and girth. This fear and overestimation of encountering spiders can cause physical symptoms too.

Physical symptoms of a spider phobia may include:

• Dizziness/light headedness

• Stomach upset

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Shaking or trembling

• Shortness of breath

• Increased heart rate

• Crying

They may also have following habits to help cope with these fears:

• Avoidance of places and situations where you might see or encounter spiders

• Worsening anxiety as an impending encounter loom

• Overall difficulty with concentration and functioning

• Social isolation

TREATMENTS FOR ARACHNOPHOBIA:

Specific phobias such as those related to spiders may be easier to treat compared to complex phobias. It's also possible to experience fewer symptoms of arachnophobia as an adult if the intense fear of spiders affected them as a child.

COUNSELING:

Mental health counselling is the most effective way to treat phobias including, arachnophobia. Medications don't treat this condition because it doesn't help with the underlying issues causing the phobia. However medications can treat underlying anxiety.

MEDICATIONS:

While these medications won't treat arachnophobia directly, it's possible to see improved anxiety symptoms overall.

Options include:

• Antidepressants

• Beta blockers

• Sedatives

• Supplements for anxiety

• Tranquilizers  

Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising can help decrease anxiety, and subsequent symptoms of phobias.

When to see a professional?

Arachnophobia doesn't generally require a formal diagnosis from a doctor. This is due to the fact that phobias are most often self-diagnosable.

However, consider seeing a professional to help work through arachnophobia of the person finds that it's significantly impacting their life.