| Phobolexaphobia | |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | |
| Specialty | Psychiatry |
| Types | Hereditary, Self-imposed[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Self-diagnosed |
Phobolexaphobia is a specific phobia brought about by the irrational and obsessive fear of words describing obscure phobias. Those affected report feeling intense annoyance and occasionally experiencing periods of intense loathing.[1]
Causes edit
Narcissistic tendencies edit
Graham proposed in their seminal text on the subject that phobolexaphobia may manifest as a result of the "the desire to be recognized or perceived as superior to one's peers".[2] Someone who suffers from phobolexaphobia may feel that "phobia words" are perceived as overly interesting by those around them, especially when compared to their own creative work.[1] Patients commonly describe a frustration with the regularity of phobia words, citing the prevalence of words constructed from a Greek or Latin root affixed with the Greek suffix -phobia.[3]
Therapy edit
The treatment pioneered by Graham in which a patient is insulted and instructed to "grow up"[2] has been found to be the most effective, and is the most commonly employed treatment in use.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c d I made it up.
- ^ a b Graham M (April 20, 1969). "Phobolexaphobia". American Journal of Psychology. 9 (4). University of Hard Knocks: 197.
- ^ "List of phobias article" is protected indefinitely