A persistent, excessive fear of death or dying
Thanatophobiais an intense fear of death or the dying process.
This article discusses what causes someone to fear death and dying, and how the fear manifests itself.
Verywell / Mira Norian
What Is a Phobia?
Verywell / Mira Norian
A person with a phobia may realize it is irrational, but remain unable to control their intense fear.
What Does Thanatophobia Feel Like?
Thanatophobia can cause symptoms that can impact both physical and mental wellness.
Reading a book or watching a TV show or movie in which someone dies can trigger symptoms of thanatophobia.
What Causes a Fear of Death?
Thanatophobia is not a distinct disorder but falls under the larger umbrella of specific phobias.
Specific phobias have the following diagnostic criteria:
Is a Fear of Death Normal?
Treatment for Thanatophobia
Psychotherapyis the cornerstone of treatment for thanatophobia.
Medications are also sometimes used to manage symptoms of anxiety.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)is the most effective therapy for thanatophobia.
Exposure therapyis a particular bang out of CBT that successfully treats phobias.
It is considered by most to be the treatment of choice for specific phobias.
These drugs are fast-acting and are taken during acute anxiety or panic episodes.
These medications can be addictive, however, and have side effects like fatigue and drowsiness.
Among them:
Summary
Thanatophobia is an irrational fear of death and dying.
This condition causes severe anxiety symptoms when confronted with even the topic of death or dying.
Symptoms can include sweating, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, nausea, and feeling powerless.
Treatment primarily involves therapy, although medications can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Thanatophobia is an irrational fear of dying, while necrophobia is a fear of dying or dead bodies.
Talking to a therapist can help you address your fear of dying.
Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations or use anonline directoryto find a therapist near you.
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