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Hello, dear readers of the site! Batrachophobia is a panic fear of frogs, toads, in general, amphibians. And today we will look at why and in whom it appears, as well as by what symptoms it can be diagnosed.
What is it like?
Batrachophobia, or bufonophobia, ranidophobia, occurs mainly in children, but it also occurs among the adult population. Only if children are horrified, adults are disgusted.
The term batrachophobia itself was first registered in 1953 in a psychiatric dictionary.
What relates this phobia to mental disorders, which means that it cannot be overcome by willpower, treatment by qualified specialists is necessary.
In a severe form, it may even seem to a person that the frog will increase in size, so much so that it becomes able to swallow it.
And although the fob understands how absurd and unrealistic his fear is, he is unable to do anything with his feelings and reactions. The horror that he has is so unbearable that he prefers not to leave the house.
Accordingly, the restriction of contacts, self-isolation and a feeling of total loneliness lead to the fact that he falls into a deep depression. Which often ends with successful attempts to commit suicide.
In mild forms, the fob simply refuses to go to the forest, to nature in general, and under no pretext comes close to grass, lakes and swamps.
Symptoms
When thinking about toads or directly meeting with them, the batraphophobe develops dry mouth, shortness of breath, sweats profusely and feels weak.
Concerned about tachycardia, as well as chest pains, which suggest thoughts of an approaching heart attack.
There are problems with breathing, which is even more frightening, because it seems to a person that he is about to suffocate.
Due to frequent superficial breaths in the blood, the level of oxygen becomes excessive, which leads to such horrific consequences in the form of asphyxia.
It is necessary to breathe in carbon dioxide, which we release as we exhale, for example, by bringing our hands to our faces. If you have a paper bag with you, then breathe into it.
Then dizziness and nausea will pass, and most importantly, nothing will prevent the flow of oxygen into the lungs.
Sometimes there is a tremor of the limbs, pain in the stomach, which are accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. The voice and chin are shaking, which makes it much more difficult to explain what is happening.
At the time of a panic attack, the fob loses control of itself, so most often it cries, asks for help, or takes off from its place, trying to hide in a secluded, safe and completely devoid of frogs place.
The difficulty is that the perception of reality is changing, ranidophobia takes only one thought — to be saved. Therefore, he may not notice objects and situations that really pose a threat to life and health.
For example, if you come to visit and notice that a toad is sitting there in an aquarium, having experienced shock, horror and not understanding what it is doing, it jumps out the window, not noticing that there is a door and it will be more expedient to exit through it.
Or, having jumped out into the street, he will fall under a car, because he will not notice it in a panic.
Causes
Psychological trauma due to negative experiences
If a person is afraid of an unexpected meeting with a frog, then this may well affect the development of batrachophobia. This is especially true for small children.
In principle, they react to any surprise with fright, which affects their mental state in the course of later life.
An interesting and unusual case was described in one of the journals of practical therapy and psychiatry in 1983. A woman used a lawn mower to clean up the yard outside her house.
And she did not notice how she ran into several frogs, killing them. The sight was so traumatic for her that it took the help of psychiatrists to bring her to a normal, calm and healthy state.
Character traits
Personalities, quite impressionable, are not always guided by information that is scientifically confirmed. That is, they can easily believe any prejudices. For example, there is a myth that when a person touches a toad, warts appear.
Yes, there is a species of frog whose poison causes death, but they are found in Colombia, Africa and other countries where the fob might not even have been even once.
Some people cannot stand the smell they give off, or the croaking that is sharp, loud and unpleasant to the ears.
Treatment
As already mentioned, it is imperative that when the first symptoms of ranidophobia appear, you should contact a qualified specialist. At least in order to confirm the presence or absence of a diagnosis.
Since a phobia is a mental disorder that should not be allowed to take its course, expecting that everything will go away on its own.
Therefore, contact a psychotherapist, he will help you figure out what exactly provoked the appearance of fear of toads. Thanks to this, you will select the most effective methods for restoring peace of mind.
In the case of a deterioration in physical condition, when anxiety and tension are constantly present, sleep is lost or nightmares are tormented, you should go to a psychiatrist.
He will prescribe antidepressants, sedatives, sleeping pills and tranquilizers if necessary.
There is no need to be afraid of being placed in a mental hospital. Phobias are not treated permanently.
With the exception of cases of prolonged depression and other concomitant disorders that require the constant attention of doctors.
Completion
And that’s all for today, dear readers! There are actually a lot of phobias, and we gradually introduce you to each existing type.
For example, did you know that there are people who panic at the sight of a cat? Or are they terribly afraid to be in the same room with indoor flowers, a bald man?
In general, subscribe to site updates and every day you will receive new, interesting, and, importantly, useful information.
Take care of yourself and be healthy as well as happy!
The material was prepared by a psychologist, Gestalt therapist, Zhuravina Alina