zoophobia

Zoophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense and irrational fear of animals. This phobia can manifest as a persistent and excessive fear of a specific animal, such as spiders (arachnophobia), snakes (ophidiophobia), or dogs (cynophobia), or a more generalized fear of all animals.

Individuals with zoophobia often experience significant distress when confronted with the feared animal or even when thinking about it. Symptoms can include immediate anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a feeling of dread. In some cases, panic attacks can be triggered. The fear is disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the animal, and the individual typically recognizes that their fear is excessive, but feels unable to control it.

The avoidance of animals or situations where animals might be present is a common behavior in zoophobia. This avoidance can significantly interfere with a person's daily life, impacting their ability to go to parks, visit friends with pets, or even leave their home.

The causes of zoophobia are not fully understood, but it is believed to stem from a combination of genetic predisposition, learned behaviors (such as witnessing a traumatic event involving an animal), and societal influences. Treatment for zoophobia typically involves psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, where the individual is gradually and safely exposed to the feared animal in a controlled environment. Medication may also be used in some cases to manage anxiety symptoms.