VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: lek. Tomasz Nęcki

In some people, the feeling of pain can lead to severe anxiety. This condition is known as algophobia, which is one of the specific phobias. What might be the causes of the fear of pain? What can I do to stop feeling anxious? Find out what the possible consequences of algophobia are.

The termalgophobiacame from a combination of two Greek words: "algos" (pain) and "phobos" (fear). As it is probably not difficult to guess, this term is used to describe an intense fear of pain.

Specific phobias are a very extensive group of problems in the field of psychiatry interest. They are referred to as specific, because in their case, patients' anxiety arises due to exposure to certain factors or situations. Some specific phobias are more known than others. The first of these include, for example, claustrophobia and arachnophobia. Algophobia is included in the group of less frequently mentioned specific phobias.

Causes of algophobia

As with many other mental disorders, the causes of its occurrence are not entirely clear as well. It is noticeable, however, that the problem is quite often related to the occurrence of diseases in patients, the symptoms of which are, among others, frequent pain ailments.

Here, examples of such units can be mentioned above all:

  • neoplastic diseases,
  • chronic headaches (such as migraines),
  • osteoarthritis,
  • rheumatoid arthritis,
  • neuropathic pains.

People who experience pain frequently may eventually become afraid of its subsequent episodes.

Patients may begin to think almost constantly about what activities or behaviors may provoke or aggravate their pain.

Symptoms of algophobia

One of the basic ailments related to algophobia is anticipatory fear, i.e. fear of the possible occurrence of a fear-provoking stimulus - in this case, pain.

It can be so intense that it makes it impossible for patients to function normally - they can basically feel anxious all the time and only think aboutwhen they start to feel pain again.

Additionally, even when they experience pain from time to time due to an illness that has been going on for many years, they consider each episode of pain to be life threatening due to algophobia.

The symptoms of algophobia are not only a feeling of fear and anxiety. Panic attacks may also be associated with the problem. They can appear in various situations, incl. when the patient hurts something and their manifestation is primarily a feeling of extreme anxiety (patients may even be convinced that they will die in a moment).

In addition to anxiety, some somatic ailments may also appear in the course of a panic attack, such as:

  • shaking hands,
  • increased sweating,
  • tachycardia (increased heart rate)
  • is dizziness or nausea.

Possible consequences of algophobia

In theory, it could seem that algophobia is a trivial problem. In practice, however, it is definitely not. The fear of pain sometimes causes the patient to completely withdraw from all activities. He may begin to avoid all situations that could potentially make him feel pain.

In extreme cases, it may happen that a person with algophobia will stop leaving their home - after all, going out to the street may result in a fall, fracture of the leg and then feeling the pain of different intensity.

Algophobia can be a very serious problem also in people who - for example because of a fracture - require rehabilitation.

Exercises aimed at improving the patient's fitness are often associated with pain, which may be an insurmountable barrier for a person struggling with the fear of pain.

Ultimately, a patient with algophobia may not be able to participate in rehabilitation. His convalescence may take longer, and he may, due to his fears, never regain his fitness before the accident that resulted in breaking the accident.

Treatment of algophobia

Algophobia cannot be underestimated. The role of the relatives of the person who struggles with it is to seek specialist help and persuade the person struggling with the fear of pain to seek the services of specialists.

The primary influence that can help people with algophobia is psychotherapy. In the case of specific phobias, cognitive-behavioral therapy is usually recommended, thanks to which it is possible to identify the patient's thoughts that are inconsistent and harmful, and then lead to a change in the perception of the problem.

Its part is sometimes exposure therapy, which in the case of the discussed problem may consist in making the patient aware that, for example, not every movement or not every leaving the house will lead to pain.

Diseases related to chronic pain sensation can promote not only algophobia, but also other mental disorders - incl. depression. When the symptoms of algophobia in a patient are extremely severe and the fear of pain is accompanied by symptoms of other disorders, e.g. depression, psychotherapy may be accompanied by pharmacological treatment.

It is usually based on the use of antidepressants, which also have an anxiolytic effect (such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, abbreviated as SSRIs).

Patients with algophobia can also be helped by other types of influence. It is beneficial to avoid substances that contribute to the feeling of anxiety - such as alcohol, nicotine, but also caffeine contained in coffee. Regular physical activity and relaxation training can also alleviate the anxiety associated with algophobia.

Category:

Psychology