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Megalophobia is not an official diagnosis as such, but rather a very rare and particular form of an official psychiatric diagnosis known as 'specific phobia.'
Researchers don’t yet know the exact number of people who have megalophobia, which is likely because many who have specific phobias don’t seek treatment for them.
Specific phobias, in general, are a relatively common mental health condition, and it is estimated that around 7 to 10% of the population has one.
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"Megalophobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense and irrational fear of large objects or structures," Dr. Padraic Gibson, who is a consultant clinical psychotherapist and the clinical director of The OCD Clinic as well as the director of training and organization consultation at The Coaching Clinic, told Bored Panda.
"The psychological basis behind megalophobia is likely to be multifactorial, involving conditioning, learning, and cognitive processes."
"The fear of large objects may be rooted in experiences or observations during childhood or early life, and media exposure can also contribute to its development. The fear is reinforced by avoidance behaviors, making the fear more ingrained," Gibson, who has contributed to the TV and Film industries as a specialist consultant, and writes regularly for Psychology Today, explained.
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The primary symptoms of megalophobia include:
- Chest pain;
- Diarrhea;
- Dizziness;
- Feelings of panic;
- Increased heart rate;
- Nausea;
- Shaking;
- Shortness of breath;
- Sweating.
Moving beyond phobias, Gibson wanted to shine a light on obsessive individuals, or "the perfectionists who feel an incessant need to control every aspect of their lives, including their own physical reactions to fear."
"Ironically, this obsessive control often leads to feelings of being overwhelmed, and persistent thoughts can take over their minds," the psychotherapist highlighted.
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"Conquering phobias and overcoming obsessions may seem daunting, but remember, you're not alone on this journey," Gibson said. "With the guidance of skilled therapists and a commitment to embracing change, you can break free from the shackles of fear and anxiety."
"Empowering yourself to face your fears head-on and let go of unnecessary control can lead to a life of newfound freedom and joy."
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