![]() ![]() ![]() Successful treatment of specific phobias typically involves therapy or counseling. It’s also possible that the intensity of the fear you feel about spiders lessens as you get older. Specific phobias like arachnophobia can be more treatable than complex phobias. Each fear is specific - you may fear spiders only, spider webs, or both spiders and their webs. But arachnophobia is one of the most common phobias psychologists diagnose.įear of spider webs falls under the same umbrella as fear of spiders. Fear of animals (including spiders) and fear of heights are the two most prevalent phobias. It’s estimated that about 19% of people worldwide have specific phobias. Your medical history may also be reviewed. You’ll typically answer questions about the intensity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms. ![]() In general, an arachnophobia diagnosis implies that your symptoms have been present for at least 6 months, and they’re causing a significant disruption to your well-being. So what do mental health professionals look for when diagnosing spider phobia? Specific phobias are typically diagnosed according to standards outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).Ī psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional will use the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 to develop an understanding of your symptoms and determine if you are dealing with arachnophobia. Remember that many people are uneasy about or around spiders, but they’re not arachnophobic. If there are negative thoughts and feelings regarding spiders, that will usually cause a stress-induced response to coming in contact with one.” Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, MA, MSc, LMHC “Arachnophobia can be caused by hereditary factors, traumatic experiences, environmental factors, or cultural influences. Most commonly, spider phobia will begin to appear during childhood, but it can also last into or develop after adulthood. Of course, it’s also possible that getting a spider bite in the past can result in a heightened fear of being bitten again. If you were raised by someone who showed an intense fear of spiders, you might be more inclined to experience the same fear. Like other specific phobias, spider phobia falls within a category of anxiety disorders, which may or may not be genetic.įear of spiders can also be caused by your environment. Many people with arachnophobia imagine spiders are larger than they are, and they feel like they’re always bound to encounter a spider. The physical symptoms of arachnophobia can include:Īrachnophobia can also cause you to avoid social interaction, experience difficulty thinking and concentrating, and avoid places you fear may have spiders. Thinking about or encountering a deadly spider can cause instantaneous feelings of anxiety. Symptoms of ArachnophobiaĪrachnophobia, also called “spider phobia,” can cause significant distress and detract from your quality of life. Here, we’re defining arachnophobia, listing its causes and symptoms, discussing how to get a diagnosis, and exploring available treatment options for this specific phobia. Seeing or even thinking about a spider can cause an overwhelming emotional response, making them feel like they’re in imminent danger. However, for those who have arachnophobia, things are different. Though many people find spiders creepy, most of us can deal with them without experiencing a level of fear that negatively impacts our lives. What is arachnophobia? If you haven’t heard of this specific phobia, it’s an intense, irrational fear of spiders. ![]()
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