Trypophobia: what is it?

Trypophobia is the irrational fear of holes or an image representing geometric patterns close together (honeycomb cells, mousse of soapsponge, Swiss cheese hole).

What is trypophobia?

First described in 2005, in a discussion forum on Internettrypophobia engenders an aversion to the image of an organized collection (cluster, cluster, etc.) of holes, the fruit of which lotus is a representative example. Although not fully considered a phobia according to the DMS-5 (an irrational fear of an object or situation that can lead to panic attacks, vagal discomfortbreathing difficulties), it concerns a large number of people (11% of men and 18% of women) and triggers a feeling of disgust which can be accompanied by headaches, itching, nausea and a feeling of anxiety. .

What causes trypophobia?

The scientific bases of the origin of trypophobia are still poorly known. Some research published in 2013 in the specialized literature, suggests an evolutionary basis involving defense mechanisms against infectious diseases (skin lesions) or reflex towards animals poisonous (scaly skin of snakes). Psychoanalytical theories can associate this phobia to an anguish of the fragmentation of the body, felt as a fear of the loss of oneself.

Treatment of trypophobia

As with phobias, treatment is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychoanalysis. The prevention does not exist beyond avoidance strategies when it does not alter quality of life too significantly. Otherwise, the occasional prescription of anxiolytics can reduce the effects of emotions that are too intense or too distressing.