Omphalophobiais an ongoing, intense fear of belly buttons (navels).
People with omphalophobia may be afraid of their own or othersbelly buttons.
The word “omphalophobia” is derived from Greekomphalosmeaning navel andphobosmeaning deep dread or fear.
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The exact cause of this fear is unknown, but treatment options include therapy, self-care, and medication.
A specific phobia, like omphalophobia, is sometimes called a simple phobia.
Examples of common specific phobias includeclaustrophobia(fear of closed spaces) andacrophobia(fear of heights).
Symptoms
People with omphalophobia feel intense anxiety, fear, and/or distress around belly buttons.
This anxiety may create specific symptoms when exposed to a belly button.
The smell of a belly button can also cause issues in some people.
However, the belly button can smell unpleasant for reasons that have nothing to do with omphalophobia.
These symptoms may include:
How Common Are Specific Phobias?
Specific phobias are very common.
During the course of their lifetime, an estimated 12.5% of U.S. adults will experience a specific phobia.
Within a given year, about 9.1% of American adults meet the criteria for a specific phobia.
Specific phobias are less common in men than in women.
Causes
The exact cause of omphalophobia is unknown.
Your family and friends may also be helpful in describing your symptoms.
Your provider may perform additional tests to rule out any other medical conditions.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication as well.
The precise cause of specific phobias is unknown.
Treatment for specific phobias, such as omphalophobia, typically involves a throw in ofpsychotherapyknown as exposure therapy.
In certain cases, medication may also be prescribed.
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