Monophobia

Monophobia is defined as the persistent, irrational fear of solitude and of being alone. Closely associated with this phobia, is the monophobic individual's fear of having to cope without a specific person.

Sometimes referred to as Isolophobia and Autophobia, this word derives from the Greek "monos", meaning alone, one or single and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Monophobia?

As with all phobias, the person coping with Monophobia has experienced a real life trauma at some point in their life. Although, this is a rather common phobia, that past experience becomes associated with the fear of being alone and/or without a specific individual. Perhaps the monophobic person experienced some sort of deprivation as a child. Perhaps they experienced the death of a parent or sibling at an early age.

Whatever the cause, the person coping with Monophobia can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that can completely disrupt their daily functioning.

What Are the Symptoms of Monophobia?

The symptoms of Monophobia vary and are individual to the person coping with this phobia. Some people, when confronted with their fear of isolation and of being left alone, may feel uncomfortable, nauseated or begin to perspire. Other individuals can be so severely compromised by this phobia, that they experience full blown anxiety and/or panic attacks.

Other symptoms of Monophobia can include:

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

How Is Monophobia Diagnosed?

The majority of cases of Monophobia are self-diagnosed. The individual coping with this phobia, realizes that their fear of being alone is irrational and has severely interfered with their ability to function.

The monophobic person may then discuss their fears with their doctor. Rarely will the doctor diagnose Monophobia based on that initial discussion. Typically, the doctor, after ruling out any physical reason for the phobia, will refer the individual to a mental health professional for additional assessment and evaluation.

How Is Monophobia Treated?

When the fear of being alone and without a specific person becomes so overwhelming as to disrupt an individual's daily functioning, there are a variety of treatment options available to treat Monophobia. These can include:

• Talking to the primary physician who can then refer the individual to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.
• Traditional "talk" therapy that will help the individual learn to identify and control their fears.
• Self-help techniques.
• Support groups with other individuals coping with this specific phobia.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.
• Relaxation Techniques.
• In the most severe cases of Monophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

Monophobia is an intense, irrational fear of being alone without a specific person. Sometimes that fear can become so overwhelming as to completely disrupt an individual's ability to maintain a daily routine. Unchecked, Monophobia can become a debilitating condition that touches every aspect of an individual's life.