Astrophobia refers to the condition in which an individual feels extreme fear when he hears thunder and sees lightning. People of any age can develop this fear. This condition can commonly occur in children as compared to adults.
The symptoms of astraphobia have been noticed in animals also. Many children who have symptoms of this phobia can recover from the symptoms themselves, but others may experience it in their adulthood too. Astrophobia can affect adults who have not experienced it in childhood.
Individuals can experience symptoms of anxiety when they prepare themselves for thunderstorms or extreme conditions of weather. Thunderstorms induce extreme reactions in individuals who experience the symptoms of astraphobia.
The symptoms of astraphobia may feel overwhelming and difficult to overcome. Other names of astraphobia are:
- Brontophobia
- Keraunophobia
- Tonitrophobia
The condition of astraphobia is treatable. The American Psychiatric Association has not yet officially recognized this disorder.
Symptoms
People who do not have the condition of astraphobia may often cancel their outdoor trips and reconsider their outside plans. In this case, individuals may move away from tall trees when they see lightning in a storm.
They can also search for shelter. Even though the probability of getting hit by the storm or lightning is less, people still show reactions to certain situations that seem dangerous. But the reactions in people with astraphobia are more specific.
They experience panic feelings before and after a storm. These feelings can develop into an intense panic attack. The symptoms of astraphobia are given below.
- Numbness
- Body shaking
- Nausea
- Numbness
- Breathing issues
- Heart palpitations
Different manifestations of astraphobia might include:
- Sweat-soaked palms
- Hustling beat
- Over the top longing to screen the tempest
- Desire to keep oneself away from triggers such as under the bed or in the restroom
- Sticking to others for assurance
- Wild crying, especially in youngsters
The individual may likewise comprehend that these sentiments are exaggerated and nonsensical without the capacity to shorten them.
These side effects can be set off by a climate projection, discussion, or unexpected sound, like an applaud of thunder. Sights and sounds that are like lightning storms may likewise trigger indications.
Causes
Much is as yet unclear with regards to the real reason for explicit fears. Causes might include:
- Negative encounters: Numerous fears are created because of having a negative encounter or fit of anxiety identified with a particular item or circumstance.
- Hereditary qualities and climate: There might be a connection between your particular fear and the fear or nervousness of your folks. This could be because of hereditary qualities or learned conduct.
- Mind work: Changes in mind working additionally may assume a part in creating explicit fears.
Risk Factors
Certain individuals might be at increased danger for this fear. Essentially being a youngster can be a danger factor. Tempests can be particularly terrifying for youngsters. However, most outgrow these sentiments as they age.
A few kids with the mental imbalance and tactile preparing messes, for example, hear-able handling issues, may make some harder memories controlling their feelings during a tempest since they have uplifted affectability to sound.
Treatment
Following are the treatments that your therapist or primary care physician can recommend to you.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
This short-term approach is also known as talk therapy. Your therapist may give you CBT individually or during a group session. It focuses on a single specific issue that is the cause of the disturbance. You can call this approach goal-oriented.
It is specifically designed to alter the negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist replaces your irrational thoughts with rational ones.
Exposure Therapy
Openness treatment is a sort of CBT treatment. It furnishes openings for individuals with fears to overcome their feelings of trepidation by leisurely being presented to what terrifies them over the long duration of time.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
This critical thinking approach couples CBT with reflection and other pressure-lessening methods. It’s intended to assist individuals with preparing and directing their feelings while decreasing uneasiness.
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on supporting individuals for seeking positive abilities, self-acceptance, and getting involved in positive situations. It also helps in mindfulness.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Your PCP may likewise prescribe nervousness prescriptions notwithstanding treatment. These meds might assist with lessening the pressure you feel previously or during storms. Prescription isn’t a solution for fear.
Stress Management Strategies
Stress the executive’s strategies, like reflection, might be compelling at taking out or lessening fear-related nervousness. These techniques help you to manage your symptoms of certain phobias for a long time.
