Basically, Herpetophobia is the fear of reptiles and of some other similar creepy, crawly creatures and things.

As of the present, herpetophobia is one of the most common phobias afflicting a lot of individuals, particularly children and adolescents.

Normally, sufferers do not immediately realized they already have the disorder, which is the herpetophobia, until such time they feel some degrading and at times crippling feelings that typically last for some time.

Symptoms of Herpetophobia

One’s fear for creepy, crawly things may actually result to some symptoms like breathlessness, excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, shaking, heart palpitations, inability to speak or think clearly, and fear of dying,

In cases where the fear is severe and serious, some other symptoms may also be felt. Symptoms such as becoming mad or losing control, sense of detachment from reality or a full blown anxiety or panic attack.

Possible Cause of Herpetophobia

Generally, just like all fears and phobias, herpetophobia is created by the unconscious mind as a protective mechanism from a particular threat or stimuli.

Similarly, according to some studies, herpetophobia and some other akin phobias may also have been because of some tragic events in the past wherein there’s presence of the feared stimuli. Some other factors like chemical imbalance and brain irregularities are also now being considered as contributors to the irrational, persistent fear of the sufferer.

Treatments for Herpetophobia

Possible treatments for herpetophobia actually include therapy and pharmacological medication.

If in case the sufferer would prefer therapy, he or she could try energy therapy. This is considered as of the moment as an effective treatment for sufferers of herpetophobia or some other similar phobias where in the body’s energy system (believed to be the root cause of all negative emotions) is typically worked out.

On the other hand, if the sufferer would prefer more immediate, faster treatment, then he or she could try pharmacological medication. There is a wide range of potent drugs made available as of the present, however, they have some side effects and withdrawal effects that may actually cause so much distress and trouble if not dealt with properly.