Fear of Snakes Phobia | Ophidiophobia 101 By Lisa Fritscher Updated May 08, 2016 Ophidiophobia or ophiophobia, is the fear of snakes. It is possibly the most common subcategory of herpetophobia , the fear of reptiles. Some researchers believe phobias related to reptiles and specifically snakes may be evolutionary, developed by our ancestors as a survival mechanism. However, this theory would not explain why snake phobias are relatively common, while fears of predatory animals , such as tigers, are rare. More recent research shows that while the tendency to pay close attention to snakes may be evolutionary, the actual fear is learned rather than innate. Symptoms of Ophidiophobia The fear of snakes can be tricky to diagnose, as symptoms can vary widely between sufferers. If you have mild ophidiophobia, you may fear only encounters with large or venomous snakes. If your phobia is more severe, you may be afraid of smaller snakes as well. You may even be unable to look at photographs or television shows in which snakes appear. It is important to distinguish between ophidiophobia and herpetophobia.

If you are also afraid of lizards, from small geckos to six-foot Komodo dragons, then your phobia is more properly termed herpetophobia. Your symptoms may include, but are not limited to, shaking, crying or running away from snakes. You may experience heart palpitations or have difficulty breathing. You may find it difficult or even impossible to remain in the same room as a snake. Effects of Ophidiophobia Ophidiophobia can be insidious. Over time, you may begin to fear things that are not directly related to snakes themselves. For example, you may become afraid of pet stores that offer snakes for sale. You may avoid camping or hiking trips, or even zoos and nature preserves. You may also develop a secondary fear of other reptiles. Diagnosing Ophidiophobia It is normal to be nervous or unsure around unfamiliar animals. In addition, there are a number of common myths about snakes. If you have never handled one, you may be nervous that it will be slimy or disgusting or afraid that you will be crushed by a constrictor. These fears are common and can be dispelled simply by gaining more personal knowledge about the animals.

The symptoms listed above, on the other hand, are out of proportion to normal nervousness and may indicate an actual phobia . Only a mental health professional, though, can make that determination. Treating Ophidiophobia The most common treatments for snake phobia are based on cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. You may be encouraged to talk about your fear and taught new messages to replace your fearful self-talk. You may also be slowly exposed to snakes, beginning with photographs and gradually building up to a live encounter with a small snake in a controlled environment. Hypnosis is sometimes used to assist in relaxation. Fortunately, ophidiophobia has an excellent chance for successful treatment. It is important, though, to choose a therapist that you feel you can trust to help you through this process. Different treatments work for different people, so don't be afraid to try something out of the ordinary should a normal course of treatment prove ineffective. If you diligently treat your condition, things will gradually get better and your phobia won't take over your life. For more information about your treatment options, see Choosing a Therapist . Sources Ophidiophobia Ophidiophobia Ophidiophobia is a fear of snakes that affects around 10% of the global population.

Read and explore the various causes, symptoms, modes of treatment and more of this common phobia. What is Ophidiophobia? It is a specific type of phobia (anxiety disorder resulting in abnormal fear of any object or situation) where a person has morbid fear of snakes. It is also known as Ophiophobia. This kind of snake phobia can be a part of Herpetophobia, which is a fear of reptiles like lizards and amphibians. People suffering from Ophiophobia may develop secondary fear towards the other reptiles in the course of time. Picture 1 – Ophidiophobia Although the fear was earlier considered to be an innate reaction, recent medical research has revealed that it is a very critical medical condition. The condition is also often referred to as âSnakeophobiaâ. Ophidiophobia Etymology The word Ophidiophobia is derived from the Greek words âOphisâ which means snakes and âPhobiaâ standing for fear. The fear usually arises either because of hatred towards snakes or due to the poison that it contains. Ophidiophobic people not only fear the sight of snakes but may even get petrified while thinking about them.

Palpitation may start even if they see snakes on television or in pictures. Ophidiophobia Facts Go through some interesting facts associated with this disorder: A person who has a phobia of snakes typically gets scared even while thinking about such creepy creatures. He/she may be well informed on the facts about serpents and also know that not all snakes are poisonous. Despite this, the individual will always feel threatened at the sight or thought of snakes. Snakes tend to hide under or behind certain objects and can attack their prey from the back. The knowledge of this attacking method causes greater fear in that person. The slimy appearance of serpents, caused by dry scales covering their skin, is also a cause o hatred and fear in some people. The fact that a serpent does not have eyelids and is incapable of blinking also triggers fear in an Ophidiophobic person. A person with this phobia may display signs of a panic attack when gripped by fear of snakes. He or she may either become motionless or start panicking and running away from potential danger. Ophidiophobia Causes In most cases, the phobia is found to have a relation to a very dreadful past experience in the life of the patients.

Such negative experiences are found to give rise to a long lasting fear. Sometimes, however, such fears are found to be imaginary and cannot be explained by any logic or proof. In such cases, patients have to do a self analysis and understand the reason of an aversion in their mind. Otherwise, it can lead to a nervous breakdown after a point of time. Normally, the disorder ends to affect people who have: Acute fear and tension, either related to a person, thing, place or incident A tendency to easily get excited and nervous Adrenal insufficiency , where the adrenal glands (located above the kidney) do not produce sufficient amount of steroid hormones which regulate the functioning of organs in the body. Ophidiophobia Symptoms The symptoms of this disorder can be categorized into mental, emotional and physical. The magnitude of fear can be subtle which restricts to only large and venomous snakes. But it may turn into a more severe form where suffering individuals are found to be afraid of even smaller snakes.

Picture 2 – Ophidiophobia Image Some of the primary mental symptoms of this disorder include: Erratic thoughts Constant thoughts of snakes only, which further aggravates the fear Mentally visualizing horrid images and visuals of snakes Occasional sensations of being depressed and lost in thoughts Unable to control fear and going berserk with panic Fear of losing consciousness Lack of sensations or occasional shivering Cold or hot flushes Ophidiophobia Diagnosis Such phobias are diagnosed by an experienced healthcare professional, particularly a specialist or mental health therapist. Such professionals ask a set of questions to patients to understand all the symptoms that they are experiencing. The questions generally include: The patientâs reaction at the sight of snakes The duration of the prevalence of this phobia The frequency of appearance of the symptoms The length of duration of the patients thoughts about snakes during normal working hours The phobia can be confirmed on the basis of the answers provided by patients. Doctors can use the information to consider whether or not sufferers require immediate medical assistance. Ophidiophobia Treatment The treatment of this phobia requires use of some commonly used drugs, such as: Beta blockers These are particularly used to obstruct the flow of adrenaline, which is responsible for causing anxiousness.

Beta blockers are useful in curbing physical symptoms like perspiration, shivering and palpitation. However, these are unable to control emotional symptoms like irritability and tension. Antidepressants Antidepressant medications like Effexor, Paxil and Zoloft are explicitly administered in more serious cases. These are useful in cases where the phobia is more severe in intensity and can lead to very critical and harmful situations. Benzodiazepines These fast-acting medicines are normally used in cases that require speedier treatment and where other drugs are not effective. These anti-anxiety drugs may cause sedation and addiction in patients. Due to this reason, they are not generally recommended. The potential side-effects of these drugs make non-drug therapy a more preferable option. Behavioral Therapy Therapists usually conduct this type of therapy in one-to-one sessions with the patient. The principle behind this kind of therapy is gradual exposing patients to the object of fear in order to reduce the cause of anxiety. The amount of exposure is increased from session to session which may include live encounter with small snakes in a controlled environment. The therapist may even suggest the patient to change the way of thinking and to engage in some other useful activities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy This treatment involves making patients perform certain exercises which can replace the negative pattern of their thoughts with positive ones. Such a therapy aids the patient to eradicate the root cause of the phobia completely from the mind. Hypnosis Also known as Hypnotherapy, it is often used to provide patients with Therapeutic relaxation. Ophidiophobia is a disorder of the mind which can only be suppressed but not eradicated by drugs and medications. It needs proper behavioral modification and love and support from close ones to get rid of this complicated condition. References: Ophidiophobia Medical Definition | Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary : abnormal fear of snakes Seen and Heard What made you want to look up ophidiophobia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible). Behind Ophidiophobia: Why People Fear Snakes Read the important 'REAL FOOD' news and articles today! Behind Ophidiophobia: Why People Fear Snakes Published on January 6, 2013 Pin1 If the sight of a snake’s tail slithering through the grass makes you shudder in horror then you are not alone.

According to some researchers, a full one third of adults across the world suffer from ophidiophobia – that is, an abnormal fear of snakes. What Is a Phobia? A phobia is more than just being afraid of or nervous around something for good reasons. For example, if you would not go near a rattlesnake due to worries about getting bitten but would be happy to pet a harmless non-venomous grass snake, then you do not have a phobia – you are just sensibly cautious around dangerous animals. In most cases someone with a phobia is not just upset when they see or come close to the object of their fear. Even thinking about or seeing a TV program about their fear is enough to make them anxious, frightened or even trigger a panic attack. The big difference between a phobia and a normal fear is that it is irrational and uncontrollable. For most people with a phobia, it will develop during the pre-teen years. Why Are Snake Phobias so Common? Why is it that so many people find snakes repellent ? One type of theory, called evolutionary theory, makes the argument that phobias develop in order to protect us from dangers.

According to some researchers, fear of snakes may even be something that is innate to certain people. According to this theory, early mammals evolved in an environment that was dominated by dangerous reptiles. Therefore a fearful response to reptiles like snakes would help to keep them safe. This fear was then passed down to humans as we evolved. However there are other theories. Noted zoologist and author Gerald Durrell has mentioned in his books that he believes that fear of snakes is a learned behavior. Through his work at his zoo and in wildlife education, he saw evidence that young children are naturally curious and interested in snakes, but that reactions of disgust and fear from parents and other adults lead to similar fears developing in the children. Living With A Phobia A fear of snakes is not the most debilitating phobia out there. However, if you are a veterinary surgeon, want to work in a zoo, or just want to be able to stay in the room when a snake comes on the television then you will want to do your best to beat your phobia. In some cases, certain phobias can be treated by a type of therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy. This sort of therapy helps to identify and change behaviors that are causing you problems in your life.

Aaron Walker is a tech enthusiast who loves trying new gadgets, reading true crime novels, and hiking. He hopes to someday end up in a writing career combining all of his interests. Fear of Snakes Phobia – Ophidiophobia You are here: Home / Phobias / Fear of Snakes Phobia – Ophidiophobia Fear of Snakes Phobia – Ophidiophobia Humans have many fears. The fear of snakes or Ophidiophobia is the second most common phobia in the world. Nearly 1/3rd of adult humans are believed to have an intense fear of snakes. Most people with Ophidiophobia can lead normal lives as they do not have to confront the object of their fears under normal circumstances. However, for people with severe Ophidiophobia, the mere mention, or an image of a snake in books or on TV can lead to an intense fear response, the reactions of which can even include heart attacks and death. Causes of Ophidiophobia Snakes are fascinating creatures that have always had myths associated with them. These myths are the major reason why humans fear them. This and the fact that some snakes are deadly and venomous and can lead to deaths have probably led to Ophidiophobia.

Following are the causes of Ophidiophobia: Ignorance and lack of education is one of the most common reasons why humans fear snakes. Traumatic episode in the past such as accidently stepping on a snake or being bitten, hissed at or otherwise threatened by snakes might have lead to one’s Ophidiophobia. Seeing or witnessing an incident wherein another person, a close friend or family member was hissed at, or bitten by a snake can also lead to the fear of snakes Media reports and TV shows can also lead one to believe that snakes are always dangerous leading to Ophidiophobia. Genetic traits, family history with ophidiophobic persons etc can also lead other family members to have an intense fear of snakes. Evolution is another reason behind this phobia. Many evolutionary psychologists explain Ophidiophobia as a ‘disgust response’ to snakes that have always been associated with death, disease or poison. Ophidiophobia is a part of Zoophobia, a generic term for the fear of animals. Some cases of zoophobia are stronger in the childhood and go away in the adulthood. In other cases, the phobia persists and remains even in adulthood.

Symptoms of fear of snakes The American Psychiatric Association has described following symptoms of Ophidiophobia which can be categorized as mental, physical or emotional: Uncontrollable anxiety especially when one is about to be exposed to snakes Feeling that one must do anything to avoid snakes Screaming, crying or experiencing the difficulty to breathe, or trembling or shaking violently when one encounters snakes, their pictures or images on TV etc. Feeling anxious or experiencing increased heart rate when taken to locations where snakes may be present. Ophidiophobia can affect a person’s normal life especially when he/she avoids zoos or friends’ homes where there are pet snakes. Ophidiophobics refuse to leave their homes in places that are having high snake population. Treatment of Ophidiophobia If you or someone you know is experiencing an irrational fear of snakes, you can look into one or more of the following treatment options: Desensitization and reprocessing- This therapy is effective in addressing past traumatic experiences that might have caused the Ophidiophobia. It helps the patient overcome his/her fear by making him/her look at images of snakes and gradually enable him/her to hold small snakes. This helps the individual overcome fear and move forward in life.

CBT or cognitive behavior therapy- Cognitive behavior or restructuring helps the individual identify his/her thought patterns that lie behind the fear of snakes. The patient is made to write down thoughts as to why one fears snakes. These include thoughts like: “snakes are slimy”, “they are dangerous and have the ability to kill humans” and so on. Writing down these thoughts can help the ophidiophobic identify patterns leading to fear, anxiety and stress. The patients also learn to replace their negative associations with positive beliefs. This, in turn, can help decrease the fear. Relaxation techniques- These include meditation, controlled breathing, counting and positive reaffirmations when faced with images of snakes. The best part about these techniques is that one can tailor their own solutions and help oneself overcome the fear of snakes. Individual counseling or group therapy- Talking about one’s fears can help release negative feelings while coming up with strategies to cope with their phobia. Here are the Top 10 Books for Overcoming Phobias By using the treatment options mentioned above, one can overcome their Ophidiophobia in order to not only lead a normal life but also enjoy the beautiful creatures that are a fascinating part of our Nature. What do you fear?

Share your phobias with visitors on this site, read their stories and connect with them. Ophidiophobia – Common Facts About Ophidiophobia – Treatment Share your stories and support others... Ophidiophobia Tweet Ophidiophobia is an irrational fear of snakes. This is a relatively common phobia, and can be rooted in childhood. A young person who was startled by a snake moving unexpectedly in the grass or who had a negative experience that involved having a snake placed near his or her face may grow up to have an unnatural fear of these animals . Common Facts About Ophidiophobia A true phobia exists even when the person learns facts about snakes. The individual may be told that most snakes are not poisonous and that they only strike out when feeling threatened, but knowing this does not make the person feel any less threatened by them. The fear could stem from the fact that snakes can hide in cracks or under objects and not be seen until they move, which startles the person who is afraid of them. Legends about giant snakes or the Biblical account of the snake in the Garden of Eden can serve to confirm a person’s deep-seeded fear of these crawling reptiles.

In some cases, the phobia is triggered by the idea that the snake’s skin is slimy. However, a snake’s skin is made up of dry scales. The fact that snakes don’t blink can also be a source of fear for a person with ophidiophobia. A person who has ophidiophobia may become fearful thinking about snakes, seeing an image of one (photograph or a video), or seeing a live one. The person may freeze or feel panicky and wish to leave the area immediately. In extreme cases, the individual may experience a panic attack . Treatment of Ophidiophobia When it comes to treating ophidiophobia, there are a number of approaches that will help the client conquer his or her fear of snakes. When the reaction to a triggering event is severe, medication may be prescribed to reduce or eliminate the physical symptoms while the client works on the psychological aspect of the phobia. Hypnotherapy can be an option for some people. Working with a trained therapist gives the individual the opportunity to go back and reprogram his or her thinking about snakes. This is not always the best option, since it involves giving up some degree of control to the therapist while in a trance.

Another treatment option for people living with ophidiophobia is energy psychology. This approach to dealing with phobias has the advantage of providing results relatively quickly. The client learns how to change his or her current behaviors to more positive ones. The individual’s thought patterns also evolve through this process. For some people, working with a therapist who can help them face their fear by being in a room with a snake in a cage and then working up to touching and eventually handling one is the way to beat the phobia. Getting the right type of help for ophidiophobia means finding a therapist who has experience treating people with phobias. They have the knowledge and expertise needed to guide the client through the steps required to effectively deal with the phobia and learn not to overreact to thoughts, images or the presence of a real snake. View Resources Ophidiophobia Home Finding the Best Exclusive Phobia Treatment Center Ophidiophobia Ophidiophobia Ophidiophobia is the fear of snakes, and it’s one of the most common phobias there is – and the most common of all herpetophobias (fear of reptiles).

Though most have a healthy respect for the creatures and keep their distance, those who are living with ophidiophobia have violent and overwhelming physical and psychological reactions to snakes – sometimes even caused by the thought of a snake. If you or someone you care about feel that ophidiophobia or another phobia is stopping you from functioning at home, work or school, we can help you find a the best ophidiophobia treatment program that can help. Contact one of our counselors at the phone number listed above today. Is Ophidiophobia an Evolutionary Trait? No one knows why we struggle with phobias. Some researchers theorize that our fears are there to protect us. Specifically, many snakes are dangerous so the theory is that some people are scared of them so they will avoid them and thus avoid getting bitten and die as a result. Others argue that this theory is flawed because predatory animals like tigers and bears are far more dangerous than most snakes yet phobias about these creatures is far less common than ophidiophobia.

*Signs of Ophidiophobia Panic attack at the sight of a snake Freezing at the sight of a snake Being unable to stay in the same room or house as a snake Choosing to avoid activities that risk putting you in contact with a snake The Intensity of Fear Fear caused by a phobia is both physical and psychological. You may experience the same symptoms as you would with a panic attack – hyperventilating, crying, increased heart rate and body temperature, sweating, uncontrollable shaking – and be unable to function until someone removes the snake. Some with ophidiophobia will freeze when they see a snake, while others will scream and run from the room. In some cases, it doesn’t have to be a live snake to trigger the phobia. A picture of a snake, talking about a snake, or even thinking of a snake can cause the same physical and psychological symptoms. As soon as the snake or snake reference is no longer an issue, your clarity and body function return to normal.

*Like Flipping a Switch The effects of ophidiophobia are impossible for you to control when you are its victim, but for many people, as soon as the focus of the phobia is removed, everything goes back to normal – like a light switch. Secondary Phobias For many people living with ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes is the primary fear but often the development of a secondary phobia – a fear of all reptiles – can occur. In this case, the treatment is the same but with an expanded focus to include all reptiles while maintaining a primary focus on snakes. Diagnosing and Treating Ophidiophobia Fear of snakes is not abnormal but the fear that happens with ophidiophobia is far more intense. Only a mental health professional can determine if your fear is of phobic proportions and help you determine the correct treatment plan to aid you in mitigating the symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy are the best options for treatment, because they both directly address your fear by slowly helping you to change your perception, actions and response to snakes. Explore Treatment Options Now The Phobia List Amaxophobia- Fear of riding in a car. Ambulophobia- Fear of walking.

Amychophobia- Fear of scratches or being scratched. Anablephobia- Fear of looking up. Ancraophobia- Fear of wind. (Anemophobia) Androphobia- Fear of men. Anemophobia- Fear of air drafts or wind.(Ancraophobia) Anginophobia- Fear of angina, choking or narrowness. Anglophobia- Fear of England or English culture, etc. Angrophobia - Fear of anger or of becoming angry. Ankylophobia- Fear of immobility of a joint. Anthrophobia or Anthophobia- Fear of flowers. Anthropophobia- Fear of people or society. Antlophobia- Fear of floods. Anuptaphobia- Fear of staying single. Apeirophobia- Fear of infinity. Aphenphosmphobia- Fear of being touched. (Haphephobia) Apiphobia- Fear of bees. Apotemnophobia- Fear of persons with amputations. Arachibutyrophobia- Fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth. Arachnephobia or Arachnophobia- Fear of spiders. Arithmophobia- Fear of numbers.

Cainophobia or Cainotophobia- Fear of newness, novelty. Caligynephobia- Fear of beautiful women. Cancerophobia or Carcinophobia- Fear of cancer. Cardiophobia- Fear of the heart. Carnophobia- Fear of meat. Catagelophobia- Fear of being ridiculed. Catapedaphobia- Fear of jumping from high and low places. Cathisophobia- Fear of sitting. Cenophobia or Centophobia- Fear of new things or ideas. Ceraunophobia or Keraunophobia- Fear of thunder and lightning.(Astraphobia, Astrapophobia) Chaetophobia- Fear of hair. Cheimaphobia or Cheimatophobia- Fear of cold.(Frigophobia, Psychophobia) Chemophobia- Fear of chemicals or working with chemicals. Cherophobia- Fear of gaiety. Chiraptophobia- Fear of being touched. Chirophobia- Fear of hands. Cholerophobia- Fear of anger or the fear of cholera. Chorophobia- Fear of dancing. Chrometophobia or Chrematophobia- Fear of money. Chromophobia or Chromatophobia- Fear of colors. Chronophobia- Fear of time.

Cibophobia- Fear of food.(Sitophobia, Sitiophobia) Claustrophobia- Fear of confined spaces. Cleithrophobia or Cleisiophobia- Fear of being locked in an enclosed place. Cleptophobia- Fear of stealing. Climacophobia- Fear of stairs, climbing, or of falling downstairs. Clinophobia- Fear of going to bed. Clithrophobia or Cleithrophobia- Fear of being enclosed. Cnidophobia- Fear of stings. Decidophobia- Fear of making decisions. Defecaloesiophobia- Fear of painful bowels movements. Deipnophobia- Fear of dining or dinner conversations. Dementophobia- Fear of insanity. Demonophobia or Daemonophobia- Fear of demons. Demophobia- Fear of crowds. (Agoraphobia) Dendrophobia- Fear of trees. Dermatophobia- Fear of skin lesions. Dermatosiophobia or Dermatophobia or Dermatopathophobia- Fear of skin disease. Dextrophobia- Fear of objects at the right side of the body. Diabetophobia- Fear of diabetes. Didaskaleinophobia- Fear of going to school. Dikephobia- Fear of justice.

Dinophobia- Fear of dizziness or whirlpools. Diplophobia- Fear of double vision. Dipsophobia- Fear of drinking. Dishabiliophobia- Fear of undressing in front of someone. Disposophobia- Fear of throwing stuff out. Hoarding. Domatophobia- Fear of houses or being in a house.(Eicophobia, Oikophobia) Doraphobia- Fear of fur or skins of animals. Doxophobia- Fear of expressing opinions or of receiving praise. Dromophobia- Fear of crossing streets. Dutchphobia- Fear of the Dutch. Dysmorphophobia- Fear of deformity. Hagiophobia- Fear of saints or holy things. Hamartophobia- Fear of sinning. Haphephobia or Haptephobia- Fear of being touched. Harpaxophobia- Fear of being robbed. Hedonophobia- Fear of feeling pleasure. Heliophobia- Fear of the sun. Hellenologophobia- Fear of Greek terms or complex scientific terminology. Helminthophobia- Fear of being infested with worms. Hemophobia or Hemaphobia or Hematophobia- Fear of blood.

Heresyphobia or Hereiophobia- Fear of challenges to official doctrine or of radical deviation. Herpetophobia- Fear of reptiles or creepy, crawly things. Heterophobia- Fear of the opposite sex. (Sexophobia) Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia- Fear of the number 666. Hierophobia- Fear of priests or sacred things. Hippophobia- Fear of horses. Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia- Fear of long words. Hobophobia- Fear of bums or beggars. Hodophobia- Fear of road travel. Hormephobia- Fear of shock. Homophobia- Fear of sameness, monotony or of homosexuality or of becoming homosexual. Hoplophobia- Fear of firearms. Hydrargyophobia- Fear of mercurial medicines. Hydrophobia- Fear of water or of rabies. Hydrophobophobia- Fear of rabies. Hyelophobia or Hyalophobia- Fear of glass. Hygrophobia- Fear of liquids, dampness, or moisture. Hylephobia- Fear of materialism or the fear of epilepsy. Hylophobia- Fear of forests.

Hypengyophobia or Hypegiaphobia- Fear of responsibility. Hypnophobia- Fear of sleep or of being hypnotized. Hypsiphobia- Fear of height. Iatrophobia- Fear of going to the doctor or of doctors. Ichthyophobia- Fear of fish. Illyngophobia- Fear of vertigo or feeling dizzy when looking down. Iophobia- Fear of poison. Isolophobia- Fear of solitude, being alone. Isopterophobia- Fear of termites, insects that eat wood. Ithyphallophobia- Fear of seeing, thinking about or having an erect penis. Metrophobia- Fear or hatred of poetry. Microbiophobia- Fear of microbes. (Bacillophobia) Microphobia- Fear of small things. Misophobia or Mysophobia- Fear of being contaminated with dirt or germs. Mnemophobia- Fear of memories. Molysmophobia or Molysomophobia- Fear of dirt or contamination. Monophobia- Fear of solitude or being alone. Monopathophobia- Fear of definite disease. Motorphobia- Fear of automobiles. Musophobia or Muriphobia- Fear of mice. Mycophobia- Fear or aversion to mushrooms.

Mycrophobia- Fear of small things. Myctophobia- Fear of darkness. Mythophobia- Fear of myths or stories or false statements. Myxophobia- Fear of slime. (Blennophobia) Nebulaphobia- Fear of fog. (Homichlophobia) Necrophobia- Fear of death or dead things. Nelophobia- Fear of glass. Neopharmaphobia- Fear of new drugs. Neophobia- Fear of anything new. Nephophobia- Fear of clouds. Noctiphobia- Fear of the night. Nomatophobia- Fear of names. Nosophobia or Nosemaphobia- Fear of becoming ill. Nostophobia- Fear of returning home. Novercaphobia- Fear of your step-mother. Nucleomituphobia- Fear of nuclear weapons. Nudophobia- Fear of nudity. Nyctohylophobia- Fear of dark wooded areas or of forests at night Nyctophobia- Fear of the dark or of night. If you appreciate the Phobia List, please help support it. Obesophobia- Fear of gaining weight.(Pocrescophobia) Ochlophobia- Fear of crowds or mobs.

Ochophobia- Fear of vehicles. Octophobia - Fear of the figure 8. Odontophobia- Fear of teeth or dental surgery. Odynophobia or Odynephobia- Fear of pain. (Algophobia) Oenophobia- Fear of wines. Oikophobia- Fear of home surroundings, house.(Domatophobia, Eicophobia) Olfactophobia- Fear of smells. Ombrophobia- Fear of rain or of being rained on. Ommetaphobia or Ommatophobia- Fear of eyes. Omphalophobia- Fear of belly buttons. Oneirophobia- Fear of dreams. Oneirogmophobia- Fear of wet dreams. Onomatophobia- Fear of hearing a certain word or of names. Ophidiophobia- Fear of snakes. (Snakephobia) Ophthalmophobia- Fear of being stared at. Opiophobia- Fear medical doctors experience of prescribing needed pain medications for patients. Optophobia- Fear of opening one's eyes. Ornithophobia- Fear of birds. Osmophobia or Osphresiophobia- Fear of smells or odors. Ostraconophobia- Fear of shellfish. Peladophobia- Fear of bald people.

Pellagrophobia- Fear of pellagra. Pentheraphobia- Fear of mother-in-law. (Novercaphobia) Phagophobia- Fear of swallowing or of eating or of being eaten. Phalacrophobia- Fear of becoming bald. Phallophobia- Fear of a penis, esp erect. Pharmacophobia- Fear of taking medicine. Phasmophobia- Fear of ghosts. Phengophobia- Fear of daylight or sunshine. Philemaphobia or Philematophobia- Fear of kissing. Philophobia- Fear of falling in love or being in love. Philosophobia- Fear of philosophy. Photoaugliaphobia- Fear of glaring lights. Photophobia- Fear of light. Phonophobia- Fear of noises or voices or one's own voice; of telephones. Phronemophobia- Fear of thinking. Phthiriophobia- Fear of lice. (Pediculophobia) Phthisiophobia- Fear of tuberculosis. Sarmassophobia- Fear of love play. (Malaxophobia) Satanophobia- Fear of Satan. Scatophobia- Fear of fecal matter. Scelerophibia- Fear of bad men, burglars.

Sciophobia Sciaphobia- Fear of shadows. Scoleciphobia- Fear of worms. Scopophobia or Scoptophobia- Fear of being seen or stared at. Scotomaphobia- Fear of blindness in visual field. Scotophobia- Fear of darkness. (Achluophobia) Scriptophobia- Fear of writing in public. Selachophobia- Fear of sharks. Selaphobia- Fear of light flashes. Selenophobia- Fear of the moon. Seplophobia- Fear of decaying matter. Sesquipedalophobia- Fear of long words. Sexophobia- Fear of the opposite sex. (Heterophobia) Siderodromophobia- Fear of trains, railroads or train travel. Siderophobia- Fear of stars. Sinistrophobia- Fear of things to the left or left-handed. Sinophobia- Fear of Chinese, Chinese culture. Sitophobia or Sitiophobia- Fear of food or eating. (Cibophobia) Snakephobia- Fear of snakes. (Ophidiophobia) Soceraphobia- Fear of parents-in-law. Social Phobia- Fear of being evaluated negatively in social situations. Sociophobia- Fear of society or people in general.

Somniphobia- Fear of sleep. Soteriophobia - Fear of dependence on others. Spacephobia- Fear of outer space. Spectrophobia- Fear of specters or ghosts. Spermatophobia or Spermophobia- Fear of germs. Spheksophobia- Fear of wasps. Stasibasiphobia or Stasiphobia- Fear of standing or walking. (Ambulophobia) Staurophobia- Fear of crosses or the crucifix. Stenophobia- Fear of narrow things or places. Stygiophobia or Stigiophobia- Fear of hell. Suriphobia- Fear of mice. Taeniophobia or Teniophobia- Fear of tapeworms. Taphephobia Taphophobia- Fear of being buried alive or of cemeteries. Tapinophobia- Fear of being contagious. Taurophobia- Fear of bulls. Teleophobia- 1) Fear of definite plans. 2) Religious ceremony. Telephonophobia- Fear of telephones. Teratophobia- Fear of bearing a deformed child or fear of monsters or deformed people. Testophobia- Fear of taking tests. Tetanophobia- Fear of lockjaw, tetanus.

Teutophobia- Fear of German or German things. Textophobia- Fear of certain fabrics. Thaasophobia- Fear of sitting. Thalassophobia- Fear of the sea. Thanatophobia or Thantophobia- Fear of death or dying. Theatrophobia- Fear of theatres. Theophobia- Fear of gods or religion. Thermophobia- Fear of heat. Tocophobia- Fear of pregnancy or childbirth. Tomophobia- Fear of surgical operations. Tonitrophobia- Fear of thunder. Topophobia- Fear of certain places or situations, such as stage fright. Toxiphobia or Toxophobia or Toxicophobia- Fear of poison or of being accidently poisoned. Traumatophobia- Fear of injury. Ophidiophobia is the Word for an Abnormal Fear of Snakes | KeysNews.com Dr. Doug Mader's - "To Your Pet's Health" Sunday, March 31, 2013 Ophidiophobia is the Word for an Abnormal Fear of Snakes By Dr. Doug Mader Holiday cheer can come from most unexpected places Sunday, December 25, 2016 Ophidiophobia is a particular type of specific phobia, the abnormal fear of snakes.

The word comes from the Greek words ophis, which refers to snakes, and phobia meaning fear. An ophidiophobic not only fears snakes when in visual contact but also dreads to think about them or even see them on TV or in pictures. I've been a veterinarian for 27 years and I've... For the complete article, please pick up a copy of The Citizen for this day or purchase this day's electronic edition at . Home Delivery & Electronic Edition subscibers to The Citizen may access this article, once logged in to keysnews.com, at no charge. If you forget your password, please call us at 305-292-7777, ext. 4. Cain Hughes First grade Basilica School 25 Celebrities With Animal Phobias Your guide to getting an online psychology degree 25 Celebrities With Animal Phobias November 28, 2012 by Annette Turk Image Source Celebrities and their statuses as idols, icons, and role models represent an integral part of society and culture. Men and women both young and old are attracted to these “stars” for a variety of reasons, which range from physical appeal to talent ability.

However, what many people forget to realize is that celebrities are human beings, and they experience the same fears and phobias that all “normal” members of society experience. In fact, many statistics estimate that approximately 6 million citizens of the United States experience a phobia in one or more areas. From Britney Spears to Brad Pitt, continue on to discover the array of celebrities who possess phobias of both animals and other things. 1. Kristen Stewart: Equinophobia–Fear of Horses Image Source Kristen Stewart, who is well-known for her roles in Twilight and Snow White and the Huntsman, possesses a fear of horses. According to Stewart, she “hates them.” The fear of horses is a phobia that is known as either equinophobia or hippophobia. Kristen Stewart’s equinophobia began when she was nine-years-old, at which time she fell from a horse and broke her elbow. 2. La Toya Jackson: Ailurophobia–Fear of Cats Image Source La Toya Jackson, who is a well-known singer, songwriter, actress, former model, activist, and sister to Michael Jackson, is afraid of cats. This fear represents a phobia that is known as ailurophobia.

La Toya Jackson’s fear of cats was announced on an episode of American Idol, and the star relates her ailurophobia to a childhood incident in which a close relative was attacked by a cat. 3. Orlando Bloom: Swinophobia–Fear of Pigs Image Source Orlando Bloom, who is known for his good looks, his supermodel wife, and his role in Pirates of the Carribean, possesses a fear of pigs. This fear represents a phobia that is known as swinophobia. Orlando Bloom’s swinophobia became known when he was filming Kingdom of Heaven, at which time a pig ran loose on set and Bloom “ran like crazy.” 4. Lyle Lovett: Bovinophobia–Fear of Cows Image Source Lyle Lovett, who is a well-known country singer, songwriter, and actor, possesses a fear of cows. This fear represents a phobia that is known as bovinophobia. According to Lovett, who is also Julia Robert’s ex-husband, his bovinophobia stems from a severe leg fracture that he endured as a result of being attacked by a bull on his uncle’s ranch. When this star is confronted with cows, he feels helpless and runs away. 5.

Scarlett Johansson: Katsaridaphobia–Fear of Cockroaches Image Source Scarlet Johansson, who is adored for her beauty, charm, and acting abilities, suffers from a fear of cockroaches. This fear represents a phobia that is known as katsaridaphobia, which is quite common. One time, Johansson woke up to find a cockroach on her face. Since then, this gorgeous woman has suffered from katsaridaphobia. 6. Nicole Kidman: Lepidopterophobia–Fear of Butterflies Image Source Nicole Kidman, who is well-known for her role in Cold Mountain, possesses a fear of butterflies. This relatively common fear represents a phobia that is known as lepidopterophobia. According to Kidman, her lepidopterophobia began when she was a child growing up in Australia. Since that time, she attempted to “break her fear” of butterflies by visiting a butterfly cage at the Museum of Natural History, and it was an unsuccessful attempt. 7.

Tyra Banks: Delfiniphobia–Fear of Dolphins Image Source Tyra Banks, the well-known supermodel, advocate for women, and host of America’s Next Top Model, possesses a fear of dolphins. This fear represents a phobia that is known as delfiniphobia. Banks has been afraid of dolphins since she was 8-years-old, and she currently has recurring dreams where she is in a pool and dolphins keep bumping into her. 8. Britney Spears: Herpetophobia–Fear of Reptiles Image Source Britney Spears, who is a well-known singer, songwriter, socialite, and mother to two boys, possesses a fear of reptiles. The fear of reptiles represents a common phobia that is known as herpetophobia. According to Spears, she only fears the Komodo Dragon and other lizards. 9. Justin Timberlake: Arachnophobia–Fear of Spiders Image Source Justin Timberlake is well-known as a singer, as a “teen heartthrob,” and as Jessica Biel’s charming boyfriend. He possesses a fear of spiders. This fear represents a common phobia that is known as arachnophobia.

Aside from spiders, Timberlake also avoids sharks and snakes at all costs. 10. Katie Holmes: Agrizoophobia–Fear of Raccoons Image Source Katie Holmes, who is well-known as an actress, a fashion icon, Tom Cruise’s ex-wife, and as Suri Cruise’s mother, possesses a fear of raccoons. This fear represents a part of the phobia that is known as agrizoophobia. According to Holmes, she has always been afraid of raccoons. When confronted with one of these animals, Katie prefers to either “freak out” or “bark” in response. 11. Shannon Elizabeth: Alektorophobia–Fear of Chickens Image Source Shannon Elizabeth, who is well-known as an actress and fashion model, possesses a fear of chickens. The fear of chickens is known as alektorophobia. According to many sources, this star of American Pie obtains an “extreme” or “morbid” fear of chickens. 12. Jake Gyllenhaal: Fear of Ostriches Image Source Jake Gyllenhaal is well-known for his charming personality and his talents as an actor. This star of Donnie Darko possesses a fear of ostriches.

According to Gyllenhaal, he developed this fear while acting in Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, at which time a peer informed him that ostriches will “tear out your eyes and rip out your heart.” 13. David Beckham: Ornithophobia–Fear of Birds. And Ataxophobia–Fear of Untidiness Image Source David Beckham is known for possessing exceptional skills in soccer, a beautiful wife, four children, and a toned physique. In addition, this star possesses both a fear of birds and a fear of untidiness. The fear of birds is referred to as ornithophobia, and the fear of untidiness is referred to as ataxophobia. According to Victoria Beckham, David Beckham’s closet is coordinated by color, and his cans of soda must line up appropriately in the fridge. 14. Eminem: A Form of Ornithophobia–Fear of Owls Eminem, who is well-known for his singing and songwriting talents, possesses a fear of owls. The fear of owls represents a component of ornithophobia, which is the fear of birds. According to Eminem, he has “a serious fear of owls.” 15.

Woody Allen: Many Phobias Image Source Woody Allen is well-known as a screenwriter, actor, comedian, and musician. This Small Time Crooks star not only possesses a fear of deer, he also possesses fears of dogs, insects, sunshine, children, small rooms, and cancer as well. All in all, Allen possesses the most phobias of all Hollywood stars and starlets. The fear of dogs is referred to as cynophobia, and the fear of insects is referred to as entomophobia. Both cynophobia and entomophobia are common all around the World. 16. Walt Disney: Musophobia–Fear of Mice Image Source Walt Disney, the founder and creator of both Disney World and an array of films, possessed the fear of mice. This fear represents the phobia that is known as musophobia. Despite the fact that Walt Disney obtained the idea for Mickey Mouse by watching mice play in his garage, this well-known man ironically feared those small creatures. 17. Robson Green: Spheksophobia–Fear of Wasps Robson Green is a well-known singer and songwriter from England, and he possesses a fear of wasps.

The fear of wasps is known as spheksophobia, which is a common phobia. According to many sources, this star “dreads” wasps. 18. Brad Pitt: Selacophobia–Fear of Sharks Brad Pitt, who is well-known for his stunning looks, charming character, acting skills, and commitment to charity, possesses a fear of sharks. This fear is known as selacophobia, and numerous people suffer from it. 19. Johnny Depp: Arachnophobia–Fear of Spiders. And Coulrophobia–Fear of Clowns. Image Source Johnny Depp, who is well-known for his superior performances in an array of top movies, possesses both a fear of spiders and a fear of clowns. The fear of spiders is known as arachnophobia, and the fear of clowns is known as coulrophobia. Both of these phobias are quite common around the World. According to Depp, his fear of clowns stems from the fact that “there always seems to be a darkness lurking just under their surface, a potential for real evil.” 20. Johnny Cash: Ophidiophobia–Fear of Snakes. And Aerophobia–Fear of Flying.

Image Source Johhny Cash was an American singer, songwriter, and actor who possessed both a fear of snakes and a fear of flying. The fear of snakes is known as ophidiophobia, and the fear of flying is known as aerophobia. Many people suffer from both of those phobias. 21. Ainsley Harriott: Ophidiophobia–Fear of Snakes Ainsley Harriott is a well-known chef and television presenter from England, and he possesses an extreme fear of snakes. The fear of snakes is known as ophidiophobia. Like Ainsley, many people suffer from this phobia. 22. Nadine Coyle: Many Animal Phobias Image Source Nadine Coyle is a well-known singer, songwriter, actress, and model of Irish descent. Coyle possesses fears of many animals, which include dogs, cats, snakes, spiders, and rodents. The fear of dogs is known as cynophobia, the fear of cats is known as ailurophobia, the fear of snakes is known as ophidiophobia, the fear of spiders is known as arachnophobia, and the fear of rodents is known as musophobia. 23.

Adolf Hitler: Ailurophobia–Fear of Cats Image Source Adolf Hitler was not necessarily known as an idol or an icon, but he was known for his extremely cynical reputation as one if the most cruel and immoral leaders the World has every known. In addition, Hitler was known to possess a fear of cats. The fear of cats is known as ailurophobia. 24. Matt Damon: Ophidiophobia–Fear of Snakes Image Source Matt Damon is a well-known actor from Hollywood who possesses a severe fear of snakes. The fear of snakes is known as ophidiophobia. Damon’s fear of these creatures was apparent on the set of We Bought A Zoo, where he “cried like a baby and rocked back and forth when the snakes were spread all over the set.”

Question: Ophidiophobia is an abnormal fear of what creatures?
Answer: Snakes