Now you don’t have to be afraid: American psychologists have determined where trypophobia comes from

Hello dear readers. Many of us have various kinds of fears, but there are those that at first glance seem unthinkable and far-fetched to us, but this is not so. A phobia is a mental disorder accompanied by unreasonable fear. It is common for a person to be afraid of something if a situation or circumstance threatens life or puts us in danger. However, a phobia is a fear that has no rational basis.

Scientists count more than 40 thousand phobias, and their number is only growing every year. Some are afraid of ghosts, some are afraid of heights, others are terrified at the sight of insects. But there are also the most unusual fears, for example, trypophobia.

What is trypophobia, how does it manifest itself, what symptoms indicate the presence of a mental disorder, and how to deal with this illness, you will learn in this article.

All photos that can cause an attack of trypophobia, so as not to harm you, I hid under spoilers! Open and look at these photos only if you are sure that they will not harm you!

What is trypophobia and who are trypophobes?

The term "trypophobia" comes from gr. τρύπα - hole and φόβος - fear. That is, in simple words, it is a fear of holes. Although this phobia is not classified as a type of mental disorder, about 16% of people on the planet suffer from the disease.

Trypophobes experience overwhelming horror and disgust at the sight of a cluster of small holes on something. To understand how developed this fear is in a person, you need to have a trypophobic experience. For example, true trypophobes, when they see cluster holes (a collection of holes and bumps on any surface), experience anxiety, disgust and irrepressible fear. Some develop a panic attack, and even a catatonic stupor.

Today, scientists are actively studying the topic of trypophobia, conducting numerous studies and tests that help people with a fear of holes overcome unpleasant sensations.

What is the most common cause of hole phobia?

Trypophobia in humans is caused by intolerance to any kind of holes and openings. Unfortunately, this disorder is much more serious than one might think. Trypophobes are afraid of anything that may contain many holes: coffee foam, pasta, honeycombs. A striking example of disgust for trypophobes is the seemingly harmless lotus fruit. The presence of round holes causes disgust and anxiety in people.

Even biological materials can cause fear and nausea in trypophobia sufferers. These include human skin (pores, for example), trees, insects and even stones, rocks with pronounced cluster holes.

The most severe case is the fear of holes in food. People suffering from trypophobia react especially negatively to waffle cakes, pancakes, cheese, cucumbers, strawberries, and even citrus fruits. Any hint of a cluster of holes will immediately turn you away from using the product.

Photo of a honeycomb.

Historical roots of trypophobia

In fact, every person, to one degree or another, experiences a dislike for a large accumulation of holes and holes. But healthy people who are not susceptible to trypophobia can easily switch their attention to other details. A trypophobe will not be able to stay in the place where his phobia was identified. He will want to leave the room or place as soon as possible.

Previously, scientists assumed that the fear of holes was inherent in humans by their ancestors. They explained the gene for fear of the accumulation of holes simply: the bodies of dangerous animals, for example, the octopus, posed a direct threat to our ancestors. Spiders and sea creatures had round holes on their bodies. Therefore, even an ordinary person may experience discomfort at the sight of some animals.

Scientists from the University of Essex have established a direct connection between pathogenetic fear. People have an instinctive tendency to reject certain visual images that could previously cause harm to health. We associate objects that cause fear in trypophobia with spots on the surface of the dermis, which are present in most poisonous animals and insects.

Therefore, we inherited from our ancestors a kind of instinctive mechanism: to feel disgust at the sight of such objects. However, such a genetic property can be aggravated by traumatic circumstances and cause a pathological fear of any kind of holes.

There is also another hypothesis for the appearance of trypophobia. It is connected with the work of our brain. According to this theory, we associate cluster holes with infectious diseases or the consequences of skin trauma.

For example, a wasp sting automatically causes an allergic reaction to the insect's venom in a person. The skin becomes blotchy and we can clearly see enlarged pores. Knowing that this is accompanied by pain and discomfort, we subconsciously avoid everything that could cause us harm. The same applies to the consequences of a disease such as measles. The skin becomes covered with pimples, and the holes are clearly visible. This, perhaps unconsciously, leads us to the conclusion that many holes are a possible health hazard.

Trypophobia in the modern world

To date, the medical association does not classify trypophobia as a type of disease. Cluster hole phobia is not a medical condition. However, this does not mean that phobias are not studied by researchers, scientists and psychologists.

Unfortunately, the phobia presented is also not given due attention. And all because there are not so many people with pronounced symptoms. Despite such circumstances, England is actively studying the issue of trypophobia and conducting tests at universities to study the human psyche.

Photo of cells.

Reasons for fear of men

The most common reason may be the first love experience, which most often ends in the separation of lovers.
During adolescence, people are more likely to commit some unpleasant actions and say a lot of thoughtless words. Guys hurt girls with their rudeness, not caring about their feelings. Consequently, female representatives, not finding reciprocity, draw their own conclusions. And the result of this can be injuries that turn into mental disorders. The causes of androphobia are always psychological in nature and are most often rooted in the past. Other reasons could be:

• negative memories from childhood, where the disrespectful attitude of the brothers, the humiliating treatment of the father towards the mother, the divorce of the parents emerge;
• An upbringing in which restrictions were introduced on communication with men and its inconsistency with the conditions of real life;
• experienced an unpleasant experience of sexual relations with a man, betrayal, rape;
• watching an excessive number of films and programs related to violence and cruelty;
• in general, fear of communicating with other people.

Symptoms of trypophobia

As I wrote above, many people feel a slight dislike when they see holes. Even the accumulation of larvae, worms, or anthills can cause us anxiety and anxiety. We will want to leave the place where the hidden threat or unpleasant picture is located. But with trypophobes everything is much more complicated.

The first symptoms of trypophobia

Recognizing them is not so difficult. The main thing is to realize that such a problem really exists. The disorder can be identified by observing two elements, namely:

• Visual perception of clusters. Directly when you see an unpleasant image near you;
• Bodily sensations, i.e. the feelings you experience when visually examining an object.

The brain of trypophobes, when they see holes, immediately gives a signal to their internal systems about the onset of danger. Symptoms of this condition are accompanied by:

• Rapid breathing. Shallow and rapid breathing indicates that a person is wary of clusters;
• Tachycardia. A person may experience rapid increases in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat;
• Lack of oxygen. The trypophobe begins to breathe deeply in order to “breathe”;
• Often, such people begin to rapidly sweat and dry out their mouths. This is another important sign of trypophobia.;
• Nausea. A more serious symptom is the onset of nausea, which in some cases may be accompanied by vomiting. By the way, this reflex was conceived by nature for a reason. A person frees himself from everything unnecessary so that it is easier to escape from danger.

One has only to see something cellular and a person will immediately feel uneasy.

The most obvious symptoms of fear of holes

• Itching on the body. First, the patient begins to scratch his neck (the most vulnerable place), then his arms, and his torso. The itching does not stop for a long time, which in turn causes nervousness and irritability;
• Dizziness. Due to lack of oxygen, a trypophobe may experience clouding in the head. Black spots often appear in the eyes, which also cause hostility and fear in the patient. This may lead to fainting;
• Panic attack. In this case, the trypophobe may behave inappropriately, try to hide from the holes, hide in a corner and cry. A panic attack can manifest differently for each person. Some take a passive position and experience horror alone, while others show aggression and rage.

Most often, the consequences of trypophobia are accompanied by a rash on the skin and hands. After encountering cluster holes, the patient may notice red spots on the body on a bodily level. But over time, they go away without the use of any medications or ointments.

All symptoms can be combined, or just one may appear.

What symptoms occur during an attack of claustrophobia?

The main symptom of an attack is irrational fear, which the patient practically cannot resist, although he realizes that the danger to him in this situation is minimal. It is accompanied by the following autonomic symptoms: • Tachycardia (rapid and increased heartbeat). • Breathing disorders - it becomes more frequent and is accompanied by a feeling of lack of air. • Trembling – the patient literally shakes with fear. • Increased sweating. • Dizziness with lightheadedness.

These symptoms may also be accompanied by abdominal discomfort in the form of nausea, pain in the epigastric region, and gastrointestinal spasms. This is reminiscent of the so-called “bear disease” (irritable bowel syndrome), often triggered by severe stress. Autonomic failure can be so severe that it can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, temporary cessation of breathing (patients feel as if they have stopped breathing) and even loss of consciousness.

Types of fear of hole congestion

Today, there are two types of trypophobes. This aspect should be discussed in more detail to make it easier to diagnose the type of disease in the future.

Cutaneous trypophobia

This type of patient cannot tolerate bodily harm. Trypophobia on the body is probably one of the most unpleasant types of fear, as a person experiences panic, horror, nausea and disgust at the sight of:

• Acne or various types of pimples on the body;
• Sebaceous glands and wide open pores;
• Scars left after acne;
• Necrosis of the dermis.

It is not possible for a trypophobe to withstand all these physical circumstances. Considering that skin problems, to one degree or another, occur in all people, trypophobes have a hard time. Moreover, some patients even narrow their social circle and prefer homework to group work. With such asociality, the help of a specialist is necessary. I will describe below who you should contact.

Photo of a hand.

Cluster trypophobia

This type includes all other types of holes. These include:

• Food products (bread, buns, coffee, pasta, etc.);
• Sponge algae;
• Some types of flowers and seeds, as well as trees;
• Tunnels that were created naturally by insects or animals.

One way or another, with cluster trypophobia, a person can avoid meeting potential danger. That is, the patient may not buy scary products, not look at them in the store (although sometimes this can be difficult), and avoid wild nature.

Photo of a porous chocolate bar.

Trypophobia on human skin

Due to insufficient knowledge of the fear of a large number of small holes, many myths and rumors arise around it. For example, someone started a rumor that trypophobia on the body is a disease that affects a person’s skin, causes holes in the skin, abscesses, tears, and supposedly the disease destroys parts of the body. And these rumors are supported by photographs created using Photoshop. They depict and retouch individual parts of the body (holes in the human body or skin are superimposed on healthy parts) or depict body parts with wax makeup (most often on the palm).

It is important! Trypophobia is not a somatic disease; it does not affect the human body. Any physical discomfort is caused by self-hypnosis.

Causes of phobia of holes and holes

The main researchers of the strange mental reaction to multiple holes, Arnold Wilkins and Jeff Cole, noted that the term “phobia” does not accurately explain the patient’s condition. The opinion of psychologists has come down to the fact that they do not see fear in this disease, but rather disgust and disgust.

If you type “What is trypophobia” or “Trypophobia test” on the Internet, you will be asked to watch a thematic video series on cluster holes. Any footage that graphically depicts hands in honeycombs or wide holes on the hands, face, and body in general will cause disgust and hostility even in a mentally healthy person.

Postmodern artists painted hands and bodies riddled with holes and worms, which looks more like a sick fantasy of the author than an aesthetic artistic masterpiece. And here the question arises by itself: what comes first – multiple holes that cause fear or such images created by someone’s fevered imagination?

It is worth noting that researchers at the University of Essex also identified signs of trypophobia. Thus, from the proposed pictures, where both cluster holes and other images were presented, they noted that the first made them feel disgusted, but the second did not.

British scientists interpret trypophobia as an “evolutionary gene” that we inherited to help us survive the sight of poisonous animals and insects.

Photo of a honeycomb.

Trypophobia: causes of pathology

Trypophobia, like many phobias, develops for inexplicable and spontaneous reasons. However, very often there is a mental, hereditary, age-related and cultural explanation for the appearance of this type of fear.

Cultural factors that cause the development of trypophobia are the opinions and views that arise in any specific cultural associations or groups. Often this phobia manifests itself in a strictly defined social situation. In some cases, trypophobia is characterized by a hereditary predisposition.

At the source of its development are family relationships, and the progression of the phobia is influenced by external events in family life. Often the cause of hostility towards cluster holes is childhood trauma. It happens that trypophobia manifests itself after some time, with age. In this case, its manifestations depend on life experience and lived situations. It is well known that as a person grows older, he tends to accumulate fears.

Stages of trypophobia

Of course, this is a mental problem. Accordingly, help needs to be provided to overcome this unmotivated fear. Today there are three types of trypophobia:

1. Light form. When a person sees an object of fear, he begins to get nervous and experience anxiety, for example, looking at chocolate or coffee foam;
2. Medium shape. In this case, the patient experiences persistent disgust, nausea, and sometimes itching may begin;
3. Severe form. A person experiences unbridled fear, leading to a panic attack. Semi-fainting and fainting conditions may also occur.

In any case, with mild or severe trypophobia, you need to take measures to alleviate your condition.

Don't be afraid to see a doctor!

Preventative techniques

It is not possible to prevent the development of trypophobia, but it is quite possible to reduce it to minimal manifestations. To do this you need to follow the following rules:

1. Whenever possible, try to avoid situations that may cause stress.
2. Learn to control your own emotions and switch your attention at the right moment.
3. Take up yoga or meditation practice.

These actions are not a salvation from the development of a pathological fear of holes, but there will definitely be no harm from these manipulations.

At the first manifestations of trypophobia, the best solution would be to consult a doctor.

Information belongs to the website Rev-Med.info

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How to Diagnose Cluster Hole Fear

Considering that today it is impossible to diagnose “trypophobia” due to its not being included in the medical classification of diseases, the disease is classified as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Accordingly, diagnosis and treatment are the same as recovery methods for other types of phobias.

Today, the diagnosis of the condition is carried out by a psychotherapist or psychologist. The only difference is that the first has the right to prescribe drug therapy in the form of sedatives and stronger drugs, while the second does not have such powers.

It depends only on your symptoms which specialist is preferable to go to. However, it should be noted that even with a severe stage of the phobia, taking pills does not guarantee complete relief from the disease. In this case, it is better to find a good specialist who can correctly diagnose your condition and prescribe competent therapy.

Photo of a cellular plant.

Should fear of holes be treated?

A person must answer this question for himself. It is advisable to treat a phobia if it interferes with life, causes discomfort and life seems hopeless. I have already written above about the stages of trypophobia. But as practice shows, even with a mild form of phobia, not only the mood, but also life in general deteriorates.

If you feel that you cannot ignore the smallest details that you associate with clusters, it is better to consult a psychologist. This is a sure sign that you yourself cannot cope with obsessive fear.

What causes phonophobia?

Various factors may be responsible for the development of this disorder. The researchers emphasize in particular the role of otolaryngological diseases that the patient has had or is experiencing, including, for example, increased hearing sensitivity associated with tinnitus or acoustic trauma due to exposure to loud sounds.

On the other hand, phonophobia can be caused by environmental or genetic factors.

Its determinant, as in the case of other simple phobias, may be a traumatic event accompanied by a loud noise - therefore, the phobia coexists with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An overly activated limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, predisposes to the disease.

Treatment of trypophobia

Any psychological and mental illness does not have a single therapeutic program. Each patient is individual, and the approach to solving the problem is selected taking into account the person’s medical history. There are currently three types of treatment for trypophobia. Let's look at them in more detail.

Pharmacological.

Accompanied by taking sedatives, antihistamines or stronger drugs. Drug therapy is justified only if the patient experiences bodily sensations (itching, dizziness, loss of consciousness). This therapy is aimed at quickly relieving the symptoms of trypophobia, but is not curative.

To reduce the severity of cephalgia of psychogenic etymology and attacks of headaches, short-term courses of anxiolytic drugs, such as benzodiazepine tranquilizers, are used.

For mild symptoms of trypophobia, it is important to prescribe sedatives to improve the patient’s sleep. If the phobia is accompanied by seizures or convulsions, the doctor has the right to prescribe anticonvulsants.

The pills are aimed at relieving symptoms, not treating.

Psychotherapeutic

The work of a psychologist is to normalize the patient’s mental state by conducting a psychotherapeutic course. In this case, there is no clear method of the session, since the psychologist creates the course, taking into account the patient’s condition.

One proven practice is to reduce the symptoms of a panic attack. The patient is offered a series of pictures that evoke peace and aesthetic feelings. Along with inspiring images, the psychologist also shows the object of the patient's fear, and then again calming fragments. Gradually, the specialist increases the duration of display of cluster images, replacing them with pleasant pictures. The presented technique includes proper breathing.

When seeing both images, another trigger begins to go off in the patient’s head: “it’s not as scary as it seems.” The results of such sessions are truly fascinating. Most trypophobes experience a decrease in the intensity of their anxiety reactions, and also gain control over their own behavior.

Perhaps the best way to overcome trypophobia.

Hypnosis treatment

Sometimes a destructive thinking program is so deeply embedded in the psyche that it is not possible to identify it in a waking state. Hypnosis techniques are used to treat panic attacks and aggressive conditions. What is its essence?

Sometimes a person himself cannot truly understand the reason for his fear. Unreasonable worries can be identified in the subconscious, which is impossible to reach in wakefulness. The specialist reduces the control of a person’s consciousness, plunging him into a hypnotic trance, after which he corrects the “plan” of the subconscious.

During a natural half-asleep state, a hypnologist can reveal the true mechanisms of progression of trypophobia. In this state, the hypnologist instills a motivating attitude to eliminate defective thinking structures and introduces a new, constructive model of behavior.

Hypnosis can sometimes help.

World research on trypophobia

To this day, scientists and psychologists debate how serious trypophobia is. Some believe that this is an obsession, others that it is a mental disorder. But in order not to scare all people, signs of trypophobia in a person are a normal phenomenon.

If you, for example, look at skin eaten away by worms, this will automatically cause rejection and hostility in you. So there is no need to be ashamed of this circumstance. What looks unpresentable, ugly or disgusting causes an understandable reaction in our brain.

Trypophobes, on the other hand, experience an irrational fear of any kind of holes. This is the main feature of the disease. Worldwide research on trypophobia is currently being actively conducted by scientists and psychologists. Despite the fact that there is a category that suffers from this phobia, it is impossible to find a single treatment method.

The human psyche is individual. Some course will be useful for one patient, but not for another. Therefore, a competent psychologist works with the patient individually.

Photo of coral.

Types of disease

Since trypophobia as a disease was discovered recently, its varieties continue to be carefully studied. As a rule, doctors identify the following forms of mental disorder:

• mild, in which the trypophobe experiences anxiety and nervousness;
• moderate, characterized by signs of nausea, itching and trembling;
• severe, characterized by panic syndrome, dizziness and vomiting.

Trypophobia prevents a person from functioning normally in the world around him. It often provokes misunderstandings, smirks, and open hostility on the part of work colleagues, friends, or unfamiliar people. No matter how incomprehensible this disease may seem, people who have this disease should be treated with complete respect. Information belongs to the website Rev-Med.info

Trypophilia is the opposite of trypophobia

Indeed, today there is an unofficial name for another deviation opposite to trypophobia - trypophilia. In this case, a person, on the contrary, experiences a craving for all sorts of clusters of holes, both on the body and on other surfaces. This is also a kind of psychological addiction. A person, looking at lotus fruits or honeycombs, not only does not feel disgust, but, on the contrary, contemplates them and, if possible, even picks at the holes. The phobia of holes gives way to dependence on holes.

Both trypophobia and trypophilia are not normal conditions for humans. The severe stage of tripophilia involves self-harm. Some people deliberately pick holes on their bodies and enjoy the look of them. So, both phobia and addiction have a destructive effect on a person’s outlook and life as a whole.

Photo of a manicure with cells.

Books about trypophobia

Today there is a lot of psychological literature that helps people get out of difficult situations or look at their lives from a different “angle.” To date, no books have been published about trypophobia, although the work of experts in the field of psychology has improved significantly.

Still, trypophobia is a rather rare disease, but, nevertheless, it deserves no less interest, since ordinary people suffer from unmotivated fear. If you clearly understand that you have such a phobia, then the best way to get acquainted with the possible causes is to visit the office of a psychologist or psychotherapist.

And know that any mental circumstance necessarily has a basis. Despite the fact that the psyche does not hurt, like, for example, the stomach or head, it needs healing. Consider that this is another organ of ours that needs to be monitored and cared for.