Enochlophobia isn’t an actual mental health disorder but it causes symptoms similar to other types of anxiety disorders.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
What Is Fear of Crowds?
Many people are uncomfortable in large groups of people.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Genetics and certain cultural beliefs may play a role in your risk of developing enochlophobia.
If you are an anxious person, your temperament may make you susceptible to enochlophobia.
It is possible for someone to have a phobia without experiencing a negative or traumatic event.
Enochlophobia is not included in the DSM-5.
Also, people with agoraphobia may avoid crowds because they fear they may not be able to escape them.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, ortalk therapy, is an effective treatment for enochlophobia.
Yourtherapistwill teach you how to challenge your thoughts and reduce your symptoms when you confront your fears.
Exposure Therapy
CBT might includeexposure therapy.
This treatment helps you face your fear of crowds in small steps.
Medications
Medications aren’t usually the first step in treating phobias.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepinesare one common bang out of medication used to treat phobias.
These medications are short-lasting.
Benzodiazepines should be used cautiously.
They includeselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
These are common SSRIs:
Managing Enochlophobia
Relaxation and mindfulness techniques can helpreduce symptoms of anxiety.
These can include deep breathing, visualization, guided imagery, and mindfulness training.
This condition causes symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness.
A virtualsupport groupmay offer benefits if you are not comfortable in crowds.
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