Fear of bees, also known asapiphobiaormelissophobia, is a common phobia.
It is characterized by an intense and irrational fear of bees that can affect your quality of life.
This fear can be triggered by seeing a bee or simply thinking about them.
Letizia McCall / Getty Images
Bee phobia is a throw in of specific phobia.
Letizia McCall / Getty Images
What Is a Bee Phobia?
Bee phobia is categorized as an animal phobia, which is a key in of specific phobia.
It can also be an exaggerated reaction to a potential threat.
For example, although bees can sting, they usually only sting when threatened.
Many people develop a normal fear of bees.
After all, no one wants to get stung.
They may know the fear is irrational, but they feel the fear anyway.
It falls under the category of specific phobia, which does have an official diagnosis.
Your provider can suggest treatment or make a referral to a mental health professional.
A person who is afraid of bees because they’re allergic is unlikely to have a bee phobia.
Treating a Bee Phobia
There are several treatments available for specific phobias.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a treatment that encompasses many types oftalk therapy.
Exposure therapyis a first-line treatment for phobias.
It involves gradually introducing a person to the source of the phobia and increasing the closeness gradually.
Fear Ladder for Fear of Bees
Exposure therapy is done in a controlled environment.
It often uses a technique called a fear ladder.
Increase exposure in a healthy, reasonable, and supportive way.
An encounter with a bee may cause symptoms similar to a panic attack.
CBT is a bang out of psychotherapy often used to treat phobias.
In most cases, medication isn’t prescribed for a bee phobia.
Antianxiety medications may be prescribed, if necessary.
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