Trypophobia: Fact or Fiction?

Trypophobia is the fear of disgust for tightly packed holes. The condition makes its sufferers uncomfortable when they observe surfaces with small holes gathered close together. For example, the head of a lotus seed pod or the body of a strawberry might cause discomfort to someone with this phobia.

However, it is not officially recognized as a phobia. The research on trypophobia is limited, and there is disagreement over whether it should be considered an official condition.

Trypophobics get triggered by the following common things:

• lotus seed pods
• honeycombs
• strawberries
• coral
• aluminum metal foam
• pomegranates
• bubbles
• condensation
• cantaloupe
• a cluster of eyes

Trypophobia may also be triggered by creatures with spotted skin or fur, such as insects, amphibians, mammals, or reptiles.

Symptoms of Trypophobia

Trypophobia has symptoms that resemble panic attacks. They include:

• Nausea
• Shaking
• Shortness of breath
• A fast heartbeat
• Sweating
• Itching, goosebumps, or a feeling like your skin is crawling

These symptoms can occur several times a week or every day for people with trypophobia. In some cases, the fear of holes never goes away.

Causes

Trypophobia is thought to be caused by several factors. Your powerful reaction might help protect you from danger. Hole-like patterns appear on the skin of some of the world’s most poisonous animals, including the king cobra, pufferfish, and poison dart frog. People with trypophobia are bothered by those patterns.

Measles and smallpox are among the deadly diseases that cause circular rashes on the skin. Humans might have developed trypophobia as a way to avoid getting sick.

Fear may also be triggered by the images themselves. Depending on how sensitive they are to the mix of light and dark, some people may be more sensitive to pictures of holes.

According to researchers, the hole patterns have visual energy that can cause an unpleasant reaction. Other researchers believe that fear is caused due to social anxiety. Circles look like groups of eyes or faces looking at you, but the tension on social media can be frustrating.

Risk Factors

Trypophobia is observed in women more than men. It can also be genetic as 25% of trypophobics were of close relatives. Some of the major risk factors of trypophobia are as follows:

• Extreme depression
• Social anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

Diagnosis

Doctors may have a limited understanding of trypophobia and it can be difficult to diagnose. Your psychologist or therapist will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. A group of researchers compiled a list of 17 questions called the trypophobia questionnaire. The questionnaire stated to rate symptoms such as anxiety or fear on a scale of 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely) when looking at pictures of holes. Several self-tests are available on the Internet, including “Implicit Trypophobia Measurement” which helps you to judge if you’re seriously affected by this condition.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment to cure Trypophobia. Yet, anti-depressants and talk therapies can be used for people suffering from this condition. These therapies help you to accept reality and flush away the negative thoughts that cause fear and anxiety.

You can also try to:

• Get enough rest
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Avoid caffeine and other substances that can make anxiety worse
• Reach out to friends, family, or a support group to connect with other people managing the Same issues
• Face fearful situations as often as possible

Conclusion

Trypophobia is not an officially recognised phobia. Some researchers have found evidence that it exists in some form and that trigger exposure has real symptoms that can affect a person’s daily life. Consult a doctor or psychologist if you suspect a phobia. They can help you find the source of your fear and manage your symptoms. Further, you can also reach out for support groups online.