Trypophobia is the irrational fear or repulsion to images or objects that have holes or clustered patterns, like honeycombs, lotus seeds, or sponges. People with trypophobia may experience symptoms of anxiety when exposed to these images, which may present as itching, tremors, tingling and repulsion, as well as increased heart rate and panic attacks, in more severe cases.
Trypophobia is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but people with trypophobia may be diagnosed with a more general diagnosis like "specific phobia" or "Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders".
Treatment for trypophobia often involves multiple approaches, like gradual exposure therapy, anxiety medication, antidepressants, or psychotherapy.
What causes it?
The exact cause of trypophobia is not fully understood, and more studies regarding this condition are needed.
However, one theory suggests that it may have evolutionary roots, in which visual stimuli of a hole-y object triggers a warning signal of danger in the body. The subconscious brain in people with trypophobia may associate hole-y patterns with infectious skin diseases or poisonous animals or plants, which should be avoided.
Another theory suggests that it may also be influenced by operant conditioning, in which a hole-y object generates a mild disgust reaction. This triggers avoidant and negative reinforcement behaviours that develop into a more anxious reaction over time.
Common triggers
Trypophobia symptoms can be triggered by images or objects with holes and repetitive clusters of patterns, like:
- Lotus seed pods
- Honeycomb
- Sponges
- Coral
- Morel mushrooms
- Aerated chocolate
- Shower heads
Triggers can be either man-made objects or naturally-occurring.
Main symptoms
People with trypophobia may experience the following symptoms when triggered:
- Nausea;
- Shivering;
- Sweating;
- Crying;
- Chills;
- Discomfort;
- Increased heart rate;
- Itchiness and tingling.
These symptoms are typically triggered by images, objects or thinking about objects with holes or irregular patterns. In more serious cases, the person may also have panic attacks due to an extreme level of anxiety.
Treatment options
Treatment for trypophobia should be guided by a psychologist and/or psychiatrist according to the degree of the phobia and symptoms presented by the person.
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is aimed at reframing how patients with trypophobia think about triggering objects and how they react when they are exposed, or how they can regain control in unexpected situations. It is guided by a licensed mental health professional, and is one of the main treatment approaches for coping with trypophobia.
2. Exposure therapy (ET)
ET involves the slow and gradual exposure of triggering objecting and images that helps patients to develop cognitive flexibility. It is aimed at developing coping skills so that patients can manage their anxiety when faced with their triggers..
3. Use of medications
Medications may be prescribed by a psychiatrist as a complement to exposure therapy. Typically anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines and beta-blockers are prescribed to manage severe symptoms.
Also recommended: 10 Natural Remedies for Anxiety (& How to Prepare) tuasaude.com/en/natural-remedies-for-anxiety4. Engage in activities that promote well-being
Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety can also be recommended by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Some beneficial activities include yoga and exercise.