Astraphobiais an intense, irrational fear of thunderstorms.
People with this condition may also fear other extremely loud natural noises.
Astraphobia can be hard to live with, butphobiascan be successfully treated.
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With milder symptoms, you may be calm inside but unable to go outside during a storm.
Five Types of Specific Phobia
Symptoms of Astraphobia
A phobia goes beyond simple fear.
The extent of your avoidance depends on how severe the phobia is.
The weather forecast may dictate whether you’re able to leave the house.
It may be impossible for you to enjoy the outdoors due to fear of storms.
You may not be able to watch a video of thunderstorms without experiencing symptoms.
Diagnosis
Astraphobia and other specific phobias arediagnosedbased on your symptoms.
If theyre not comfortable diagnosing a phobia, they may send you to a mental health specialist.
Causes of Astraphobia
So far, experts cant say exactly what causes phobias.
But if it limits your activities or causes distress, know that treatments are available.
Most phobias can be treated or even cured.
Treatments for specific phobias include:
Relaxation anddeep breathing exercisesmay help lower your anxiety levels.
Summary
Astraphobia, or fear of thunderstorms, is classified as a specific phobia.
Your phobia may limit your activities by causing anxiety-related symptoms.
Phobias are diagnosed based on DSM-5 criteria.
Treatment typically involves a form of psychotherapy, especially exposure therapy.
Drugs may be used in some cases.
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Table 3.11, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Specific Phobia Comparison.
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Published 2020 Mar 19. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1
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