Anthophobia

Anthophobia is an intense, irrational fear of flowers. The anthophobic person is fearful of any kind of flower and of all parts of the flower. Also known as Anthophobia, it comes from the Greek word "anthos", meaning flower and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Anthophobia?

As with all phobias, the person suffering with Anthophobia has experienced some kind of trauma or fright. The trauma would have involved flowers or the anthophobic person associates the painful experience with flowers.

Because the anthophobic fears all types and parts of flowers, this phobia could have been caused by the color, shape or fragrance of flowers. Perhaps the person, after being stung by a bee or pricked by a thorn, began to associate physical pain with all flowers. Whatever the cause, the anthophobic person can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that can be painfully paralyzing.

What Are the Symptoms of Anthophobia?

The symptoms of Anthophobia vary from person to person. Some people may feel uncomfortable, nauseated or begin to perspire when confronted with any form of flowers. Other people are so severely compromised by Anthophobia, that they may experience full blown anxiety and panic attacks.

Other symptoms of Anthophobia can include:

• A Dry Mouth
• Gasping or Shortness of Breath
• Overall Trembling
• Increased Heartbeat
• Feeling Out of Control
• Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape
• Overwhelming Feeling of Disaster

  How Is Anthophobia Diagnosed?

  The majority of cases of Anthophobia are self-diagnosed. The person suffering with this phobia realizes that their fear is irrational and that it interferes with their daily living.

  Other times the anthophobic person will discuss the phobia with their doctor. Rarely will the doctor diagnosis Anthophobia based on that initial discussion. It's more common that the doctor, after ruling out any physical reasons for the phobia, will make a referral to a mental health professional. This individual will then be responsible for further assessment and evaluation of the person.

  How Is Anthophobia Treated?

  When the fear of flowers becomes so intense as to interfere with daily living, there are a variety of ways to treat Anthophobia. These can include:

  • Talking to the primary physician who can refer the person to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.
  • Traditional "talk" therapy that helps the person learn to identify and control their phobia.
  • Self-help techniques such as the Emotional Freedom Technique.
  • Support groups with people who also cope with Anthophobia.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.
  • Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
  • In extreme cases of Anthophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

    Anthophobia is an intense fear of flowers. Sometimes that fear can become so overwhelming as to interfere with a person's ability to maintain a daily routine. Unchecked, Anthophobia can become a debilitating condition that touches every aspect of a person's life.