Macrophobia - The Fear of Long Waits

What Is Macrophobia? Macrophobia is an overwhelming, persistent fear of long waits. The macrophobic person may experience intense fear and discomfort when confronted with any situation that involves having to wait.

Obviously, the definition of what is considered a long wait is subjective and individual to the people coping with this phobia. However, while some macrophobic people may simply become agitated when confronted with waiting, others will completely avoid any situation that involves any length of waiting. This could become serious and detrimental if the macrophobic individual begins to avoid waiting for doctor appointments or hospital appointments.

Macrophobia derives from the Greek word "makros", meaning large and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Macrophobia?

As is the case with all phobias, the person impacted by Macrophobia has experienced a trauma at some time in their life. That traumatic experience is that automatically and consistently associated with long waits.

While it is a common experience to feel impatient when made to wait, the macrophobic person becomes increasingly anxious and fearful as that wait lengthens. Perhaps this individual was always a bit impatient and eventually that impatience developed into a real phobia. Maybe this person is fearful of not knowing exactly how long they will be made to wait. Perhaps this individual simply despises the loss of control that is felt when waiting for long periods of time. Maybe the person coping with Macrophobia watched the negative reactions of others during long waits and began to imitate that response.

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

What Are the Symptoms Of Macrophobia?

The symptoms of Macrophobia are individual and will vary from person to person. Some people, when confronted with their fear of long waits, 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 Macrophobia 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 Macrophobia Diagnosed?

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

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

When the fear of long waits becomes so intense as to disrupt an individual's ability to function, there are a number of ways to treat Macrophobia.

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 Macrophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

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