Philophobia is the irrational fear of loving or falling in love with someone.
This type of phobia can be triggered by intense emotional trauma related to the feeling of love. But in some cases, phylophobia can also present itself as a chronic disease.
According to some psychologists and psychiatrists, fear of rejection or a probable separation (divorce) makes patients with philophobia avoid any kind of affective relationship.
People who suffer from philophobia cannot even kiss or cuddle with another individual when there is a possible feeling of love or passion.
Etymologically, philophobia originates from the union of the Greek terms "phobia” (fear) and “phyla" (love).
Symptoms
Among some of the physical symptoms of this disorder, the most common are: nausea, dry mouth, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, trembling hands and panic attack.
Symptoms usually arise when the philophobic is around or thinking about someone who arouses in him a potential feeling of passion or love.
The feeling of fear is so intense in the philophobic that your body reacts as if it were facing a life or death situation.
When diagnosed, phylophobia must be properly monitored and treated by a qualified professional. This disorder can cause serious consequences for the person's life, such as states of loneliness or depression, for example.
Treatment
Philophobia is curable. Cognitive therapy is one of the techniques most used by psychologists, as it helps the patient to change their patterns from negative thoughts to positive and optimistic.
As in the treatment of other types of phobias, desensitization it's also another very effective method. In this case, the therapist creates fictional cases that simulate real events, helping the patient to overcome their fears and be prepared for real-life situations in a healthier way.
Learn more about the meaning of Phobias.
