Arachnophobia, otherwise known as spider phobia, is the intense fear of spiders and other arachnids. It causes clinically significant distress that can impact an individual’s quality of life, and is classified as a specific phobia that causes significant distress.
Symptoms of arachnophobia
Immediate fear and anxiety when you see or think about a spider
- Fear or anxiety that is out of proportion to the danger the spider poses to you
- Avoidance of spiders
- Panic and/or anxiety responses such as difficulty breathing, rapid heart beat, nausea, sweating, trembling, and a need to escape
Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on stopping the negative automatic thoughts that are associated with the feared object or situation and replacing them with more rational thoughts.
- Techniques used may include Cognitive reframing, Systematic desensitization, and Eye movement and reprocessing.
Coping
Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation
- Self-care: Prioritizing your self-care may help reduce your overall levels of stress and anxiety
- Gradual self-exposure: Consider gradually exposing yourself to spiders, while simultaneously practicing relaxation techniques
Diagnosis
Specific phobias are differentiated from fears using diagnostic criteria found in the current edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
- A doctor or mental health clinician will use these criteria to better understand your symptoms and determine if you have a specific phobia.
A Word From Verywell
Specific phobias, such as arachnophobia, can be incredibly distressing and may have a significant impact on an individual’s overall quality of life.
Causes
Arachnophobia may be caused by experiencing one or multiple traumatic encounters with spiders.
- An evolutionary response
- Cultural and/or religious beliefs
- Genetic or family influences
- Family environmental factors may also influence the development of phobias.
