Ophidiophobia

A
t th
e la
st, i
tb

ea
lik
gs
tin

ites like a serpent

an
ds

ophidiophobia: fear of snakes | part of a series on phobias and fears

quote credit: Proverbs 23:32

er.
vip

Ophidiophobia is the irrational fear of snakes

affecting nearly one-third of the population.
Research suggests that this phobia is the product
of evolutionary dynamics. Our early ancestors
had to adapt to an environment predominantly
occupied by reptiles, instilling a healthy fear.
While this phobia does not restrict the daily
activities of most people, In extreme cases,
desensitization may be required.

Nyctophobia
Nyctophobia, or an irrational fear of the dark, is normal in children and is usually overcome by adulthood.
Rather than fearing literal darkness, most people fear what could potentially harm them under veil of darkness.
It is speculated that this fear may come from our evolutionary ancestors fear of being hunted during the night.
In adults and children, it can be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy or through desensitization.

ey
b
w
o
n
I k

a
d
n
o

ds
t
i
ll I
w
as
a
a
f
r
i
d
.

t the dark thing

a
h
t
s cr
bt
u
ow
o
d
l

ger
ot dan ous to m
e
,
re n
an
we
or

e either did n
m
n
ot e
no
i
xis
g
n
t
di

nyctophobia: fear of the dark| part of a series on phobias and fears

quote credit: John Steinbeck, Travels With Charley: In Search of America

Acrophobia
Fear of heights is a fear

of a desire t o ju
mp.

Acrophobia is the term for the irrational fear of heights.

There is speculation that this fear is inherited as an
evolutionary prerogative. In a study conducted by
UC Berkeley in 1960, a group of babies would not cross
a visual cliff created by a piece of thick glass. The
mothers attempts to call the child across did not
work.Treatment can come in the form of
cognitive-behavioral therapy, desensitization,
or medication for extreme sufferers.
acrophobia: fear of heights | part of a series on phobias and fears
quote credit: Amruta Patil, Kari