Snake phobia orophidiophobiais an extreme fear of snakes.
Many people are afraid of snakes, but those with ophidiophobia have an extreme and irrational amount of fear.
Ophidiophobia is sometimes also calledophiophobia.
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Ophidiophobia may occur alone or along with a fear of reptiles, which is calledherpetophobia.
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Definition
Ophidiophobia is considered a specificphobia.
Specific phobias are an intense, irrational fear of an object or situation that poses very little actual danger.
For many people, simply thinking about the phobia trigger can bring on severe anxiety.
Types of Specific Phobia
Symptoms of Snake Phobia
A phobia is more than just fear.
Its normal to feel fear when youre in danger.
This is called the fight or flight response.
Individuals with specific phobias often have intense reactions even when there is no real danger present.
They might also react strongly to small, nonvenomous snakes that do not pose a real threat.
It may be impossible for you to go hiking or camping due to your fear of encountering a snake.
You may avoid pet stores or refuse to go to a home where someone keeps snakes as pets.
You may not be able to watch movie scenes featuring snakes.
Diagnosis
Phobias like ophidiophobia arediagnosedbased on symptoms.
Studies have found that the SNAQ is a fast and reliable way to evaluate someone for ophidiophobia.
Your primary healthcare provider may be comfortable diagnosing a phobia.
If not, they may refer you to a mental health specialist.
Causes
Experts dont yet know the exact causes of phobias.
In some, this heightened attention contributes to a phobias development.
Treatment
Not all phobias need to be treated.
Your need for treatment depends on how much it impacts your life.
If your ophidiophobia causes distress and limits your activities, you may want to get treatment.
Treatment for specific phobias generally includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) and possibly medication.
However, some are commonly used and may offer some relief.
This can be especially true when combined with psychotherapy.
Medications for treating phobias include:
You may also benefit from relaxation anddeep breathing exercisesto calm your anxiety.
Summary
Ophidiophobia, or fear of snakes, is a bang out of specific phobia.
Seeing a snake or even thinking about one can trigger symptoms including anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and sweating.
Your phobia may limit your activities.
Phobias are diagnosed based on symptoms outlined in the DSM-5.
Treatment is typically psychotherapy, especially with exposure therapy, and possibly medications.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Phobias.
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