Water phobia is a well-known psychological disorder that afflicts around 2-3% people in the world. There are a lot of people who slightly feel uneasy in or around deep or turbulent water, whereas a phobic fear of water experiences an extreme and irrational fear of water. Experts have divided this fear into two different terms: aquaphobia and hydrophobia.
What is the fear of water called?
Fear of water is a psychological fear referred to as aquaphobia. It is a certain phobia in which a person feels very anxious about water bodies or about being submerged. On the other hand, a symptom of rabies infection in its late stages is hydrophobia. In rabies victims, the term is used to refer to a physical disability to swallow liquids, as a result of painful spasms of the throat.
Difference Between Aquaphobia and Hydrophobia
Hydrophobia is not a term that has been correctly used as a synonym of overall fear of water. In a medical context, these two terms are strictly different.
Aquaphobia is a mental disorder. It is a type of specific phobia. An aquaphobic could be afraid of being drowned or just feel averse to being around a swimming pool. They are able to drink water without experiencing physical pain.
Hydrophobia is a physical response that is brought about by the rabies virus. The virus affects the central nervous system. It brings on severe spasms in the throat as the patient attempts to swallow. These painful contractions can be provoked by even the sight or sound of water.
What causes Aquaphobia?
Psychologists recognize a number of causes of the development of a fear of water. The roots of these water phobia causes can be dated back to childhood.
Traumatic Experiences: A past near-drowning incident is the most common cause. This experience leaves a permanent negative connection with water in the brain.
Genetic Factors: There are individuals who are born with tendencies towards anxiety disorders.
Observational Learning: The fear can be developed by the child after observing a parent or a guardian who responds to water fearfully.
Cultural Narratives: It can be a story or a news report of water-related disasters that can sometimes arouse a phobic response in sensitive individuals.
Symptoms of Aquaphobia
This phobia may have mild or severe symptoms. They normally appear when the individual is close to water or even imagines it.
Physical Symptoms
1. Palpitations or rapid heartbeat.
2. Difficulty in breathing or choking.
3. Sweating and shaking.
4. Nausea or dizziness.
Emotional Symptoms
1. A terrible feeling of fear.
2. Strong desire to get out of the situation.
3. Inability to control thoughts.
Is hydrophobia the same as being afraid of the ocean?
No. Hydrophobia is a rabies symptom. Phobia of the sea is called thalassophobia. Thalassophobia is concerned with the infinity and the unknowing contents of the deep sea.
Why are patients with rabies afraid of water?
The rabies virus makes the muscles that are involved in swallowing spasm involuntarily. Since the consumption of water becomes very painful, the patient acquires an unwanted phobia of liquids.
When do the fear of water normally begin?
It usually starts at a tender age of five to nine year olds. But the phobia can be provoked by a traumatic experience at any age.
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