Fear of lizards is formally referred to asherpetophobia, which is a fear of reptiles.

Someone afraid of lizards may also be afraid of other reptiles such as snakes.

Experts aren’t sure why people develop herpetophobia, but cultural and even evolutionary influences may play a role.

Person discussing phobia with mental health professional

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This throw in of fear is known as a specific phobia.

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Symptoms

A fear of lizards is a punch in ofspecific phobia.

Children may display anxiety with tantrums, crying, or clingy behavior.

Fear of lizards would fall under the animal subtype.

Causes

The exact cause of a specific phobia is unknown.

It is made based on whether an individual meets these DSM-5 criteria.

Treatment

Few people with a specific phobia seek treatment.

They may simply adjust their lives to avoid the exposure.

Healthcare providers will usually recommend talk therapy.

Your therapist will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan.

Lizards may provoke intense anxiety and panic in someone with this specific phobia.

Treatment for fear of lizards includes exposure therapy, which is very effective for specific phobias.

Talk with your healthcare provider about finding a therapist who specializes in treating phobias.

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