Demophobia means “fear of the crowd”. Let’s not confuse the term with agoraphobia or claustrophobia. Here are the differences and how you recognize the problem.
Analyzing the word demophobia we know that it means “fear of the crowd” . In short, the anxiety that one feels in crowded places is sometimes associated with agoraphobia and claustrophobia. However, it is better not to confuse these terms. Between demophobia and agoraphobia the difference is the number of people who populate the place we are talking about. Demophobia is about someone who feels paralyzed at the very idea of being around people.
In the case of more severe demophobia it happens that the person avoids going out with groups of friends and situations indoors, isolating himself from the world. Usually those who suffer from this phobia are shy, shy, reserved and seemingly snobbish for the constant refusal to go out with friends . Symptoms of demophobia can be physical, cognitive or behavioral. It involves loss of consciousness, dilated pupils, dizziness, headache, palpitations. In addition, increased heart rate, muscle tension, nausea and panic attacks can also be added. Stomach pain, tremors, vomiting, sweating, agitation, shortness of breath, a feeling of choking and many other symptoms related to anxiety may also occur .
The causes of this phobia are not known, it may be related to a childhood trauma in a crowded place or during an accident. The first step in therapy is to admit the problem and be able to deal with it. Subsequently, turning to a psychotherapist will be essential to understand fear and fight it. You will have to start hanging out with bigger and bigger groups of people and then gradually get to the dreaded crowd. You can also keep a diary of your malaise by turning impotence and limits into input to get out of the phobia. In some cases, drug therapy is also needed .
- What is demophobia and why some people are “afraid of people” (ohga.it)
