Graphophobia - The Fear of Writing

What Is Graphophobia? Graphophobia is an overwhelming, irrational fear of writing. The person coping with Graphophobia may doubt their ability to write well and experience intense fear that they will fail in their writing. Perhaps the graphobic individual fears that they have nothing worth while to write about.

Graphophobia derives from the Greek word "grapho", meaning to write and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Graphophobia?

As is the case with all phobias, the person suffering with Graphophobia has experience a tragic event at some time in their life. That traumatic experience will then be automatically and consistently associated with writing.

Perhaps the graphophobic person has very low self esteem. Maybe this individual has tried to write and has assumed the work to be excellent, only to receive criticism and rejection. Perhaps the person impacted by Graphophobia has personal knowledge of someone else whose writing was rejected or negatively criticised. Maybe this individual is a perfectionist and is unable to cope with criticism, rejection or failure.

Whatever the cause, the person compromised by Graphophobia can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that can be completely disruptive to their ability to function.

What Are the Symptoms Of Graphophobia?

The symptoms of Graphophobia are individual and will vary. Some people, when confronted with their fear of writing, 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 Graphophobia 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 Graphophobia Diagnosed?

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

The graphophobic person may discuss their phobia with the primary physician. Rarely would the doctor diagnosis Graphophobia 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 Graphophobia Treated?

When the fear of writing becomes intense enough to disrupt an individual's ability to function, there are a number of ways to treat Graphophobia.

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 such as progressive muscle relaxation.

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

* Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.

* Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization.

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

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