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Algophobia: The haunting fear of pain
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Algophobia: The haunting fear of pain

The phobia of pain, caused by factors such as anxiety issues and hereditary disposition, can keep people from engaging in many activities

Algophobia, caused due to factors like anxiety issues and hereditary disposition, can keep people away from venturing into many experiences in life

Pain, regardless of the intensity, is something everyone tries to avoid, although unsuccessfully at times. So, the alternative is to try and mitigate or manage pain by figuring out the root cause of the condition and opting for medication or therapies. Then there are those for whom the struggle is constant, even long after the pain has subsided, as they fear the cycle of pain they just endured [from trigger to pain perception]. The fear can be overwhelming for some, and this condition is called algophobia.

The mere mention of pain causes severe panic or anxiety attack in those who struggle with algophobia, an abnormal and enduring fear towards pain.

“Algophobia is a phobia or fear that falls within the category of anxiety disorder,” says Ahmedabad-based consultant psychiatrist Dr Hansal Bhachech. “People experience it in two ways: either as a fear of experiencing pain or a fear of handling it. The thought of whether they can manage the pain disturbs some people.”

What causes algophobia?

Algophobia can be triggered by different factors including anxiety issues and hereditary disposition.

“There are many who struggle with anxiety. Pain might be one of the many reasons that makes them more anxious,” says Dr Bhachech.

It could be a hereditary trait, or a behaviour either learned or acquired from family members.

“Learned behaviour is the process of observing and organically adapting to other people’s attitudes and behaviours,” says Dr Bhachech. “Imagine that if I have a fear of flying, my child will continually observe me and might eventually develop the same phobia. There are numerous ways by which learned behaviour contributes to phobias. Examples include the fear of cockroaches and lizards.”

How algophobia limits life?

Those suffering from algophobia are severely restricted by their fear of pain. It prevents them from engaging in certain activities, taking medications, and so on.

“Some people refuse to take an injection because of the fear of needles, even if it is a crucial one. They will not go for any treatment where there is some pain involved,” says Dr Nitish Mandal, pain management specialist from Bengaluru.

“They might have experienced pain at some point in time,” adds Dr Mandal. “Even after the cure, they will be afraid that the pain will return in the worst condition. This phobia which affects them personally will limit their life a lot.”

More sensitivity towards pain

Those with algophobia are more sensitive to pain. Pain has two aspects: a physical aspect, that causes it and a psychological aspect, that defines how the person experiences it. In case of algophobia, the psychological factor determines the person’s sensitivity towards pain.

“If I fear pain, then psychologically, I will be more sensitive to it,” says Dr Bhachech. “As I constantly scan for pain, the slightest discomfort would make me very anxious. As a result, the intensity of pain increases, making me more sensitive to it.”

Symptoms and treatment of algophobia

“All the symptoms that anxiety can produce, you can observe here as well,” says Dr Bhachech.

According to the severity, the symptoms or reactions range from palpitations, hypervigilance and panic attacks to uncontrollable emotional outbursts.

There are three methods through which algophobia is addressed or treated – medication, cognitive behavioural therapy and physical activities.

  • Anxiolytic medicines: Anxiolytics are prescribed to manage anxiety disorders or treat and prevent anxiety symptoms. They aid in providing quick symptom relief.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy: By altering one’s thoughts and behaviours, cognitive behavioural therapy aids in resolving the issue. “It is a kind of counselling where people can be made aware of their condition and the thinking pattern that is causing it,” says Dr Bhachech. “We then try to change the specific thinking and behavioural patterns. As a part of the therapy, we attempt to change both cognitive and behavioural aspects.”
  • Physical activities: Physical activities play a vital role in treating algophobia. Physical exercises can release endorphins (internal analgesics), reducing one’s perception of pain. Engaging in any form of physical activity regularly can do wonders.

Takeaways

  • Algophobia refers to the abnormal and enduring fear towards pain.
  • The condition can be caused by anxiety issues, hereditary factors or learned behaviour.
  • Palpitation, hypervigilance, panic attacks and uncontrollable emotional outbursts are common symptoms of algophobia.
  • Experts suggest medication, cognitive behavioural therapy and physical activities for treating the condition.

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