Atelophobia - The Fear of Imperfection

What Is Atelophobia? Atelophobia is an intense, irrational fear of imperfection and defects. People impacted by this phobia may strive for absolute perfection in everything they do. Be it grades at school, friendships, family life or their chosen profession, the atelophobic individual may feel that they failed and disappointed everyone if they aren't perfect.

Atelophobia derives from the Greek word "atelos", meaning imperfect and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Atelophobia?

As is the case with all phobias, the person suffering with Atelophobia has experienced an actual trauma at some time. That traumatic experience is then automatically and consistently associated with imperfection.

Perhaps the atelophobic person has an extremely low self esteem and is driven to prove their personal worth. Maybe this individual believes that nothing less than perfection is acceptable. Perhaps, as a child, this individual had parents who were too demanding and set expectations unrealistically high. Maybe the person coping with Atelophobia is involved in a highly competitive sport, business or academic program where imperfection simply isn't tolerated.

Whatever the cause, the atelophobic person can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that is completely disruptive to their ability to function.

What Are the Symptoms of Atelophobia?

The symptoms of Atelophobia are individual and will vary from person to person. Some people, when confronted with their fear of defect or imperfection, may begin to perspire, feel slightly uncomfortable or become nauseated. At the opposite end of the spectrum, other people are so severely compromised by this phobia, that they may experience paralyzing anxiety and/or panic attacks.

Other symptoms of Atelophobia may include:

* A Dry Mouth

* Heightened Senses

* Breathlessness

* Feeling Dizzy

* Muscle Tension

* Hyperventilation

* Trembling

* Rapid Heartbeat

* Feeling Out of Control

* Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape

* Intense Feeling of Impending Disaster

How Is Atelophobia Diagnosed?

The vast majority of cases of Atelophobia are self-diagnosed. The individual realizes that their fear of imperfection is irrational and is severely compromising their ability to function on a daily basis.

The atelophobic person may discuss their phobia with the primary physician. Rarely would the doctor diagnosis Atelophobia based on that initial discussion with the patient. More routinely, after ruling out any medical reason for this phobia, the doctor will refer the person to a mental health professional for comprehensive assessment and evaluation.

How Is Atelophobia Treated?

When the fear of defects and imperfection becomes so intense as to disrupt an individual's ability to function, there are a number of ways to treat Atelophobia.

These can include:

* A referral from the primary physician to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.

* Traditional "talk" therapy that will teach the person to recognize and control their phobia.

* Hypnotherapy.

* Exposure Therapy.

* Self-help techniques.

* Support groups with other people who are coping with this specific phobia.

* Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.

* Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.

* In severe cases of Atelophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

Atelophobia is an intense, irrational fear of imperfection. Sometimes that fear can become so overwhelming as to completely stop a person's ability to function on a daily basis. Unchecked, Atelophobia can become a debilitating condition that interferes with an individual's personal life, their social life and their job responsibilities. Untreated, Atelophobia can impact every aspect of a person's life.