Pyrophobia - The Fear of Fire

What Is Pyrophobia? Pyrophobia is an overwhelming, irrational fear of fires and of flames. The pyrophobic person may be so severely impacted by this phobia, that they may be intensely fearful around fireplaces, campfires, barbecue grills or fireworks. Pyrophobia derives from the Greek word "pur", meaning fire and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Pyrophobia?

As is the case with all phobias, the person coping with Pyrophobia has been traumatized at some point in their life. Thereafter, that traumatic experience is automatically associated with fire or flames.

Perhaps, as a child, this person was repeatedly and intensely warned of the dangers of fire. Maybe the pyrophobic individual accidentally started a fire that caused damage or resulted in severe injury. Maybe this person has personal knowledge of someone else experiencing a fire that was catastrophically destructive.

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

What Are the Symptoms of Pyrophobia?

The symptoms of Pyrophobia are individual and will vary from person to person. Some people, when confronted with their fear of fire, may feel uncomfortable, become nauseated and begin to perspire. Other individuals are so severely compromised by this phobia, that they can experience paralyzing anxiety and/or panic attacks.

Other symptoms of Pyrophobia can include:

* Heightened Senses

* Breathlessness

* Feeling Dizzy

* Muscle Tension

* Hyperventilation

* Numbness

* Heart Palpitations

* Dry Mouth

* Trembling

* Feeling Out of Control

* Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape

* Overwhelming Feeling of Anticipated Disaster

How Is Pyrophobia Diagnosed?

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

The pyrophobic person may then discuss their phobia with the primary physician. Rarely would the doctor diagnosis Pyrophobia based on the initial discussion with the patient. More routinely, after ruling out any physical causes for the phobia, the doctor will refer the individual to a mental health professional for more comprehensive assessment and evaluation.

How Is Pyrophobia Treated?

When the fear of fire and flames becomes so intense as to disrupt an individual's ability to function, there a number of different ways to treat Pyrophobia.

These treatment methods can include:

* Exposure Therapy.

* Hypnotherapy.

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

* Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.

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

* Self-help techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation.

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

* Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization.

* In extreme cases of Pyrophobia, anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed.

Pyrophobia is an intense, irrational fear of fire and of flames. Sometimes that fear can become so crippling as to completely halt an individual's ability to function. Unchecked, Pyrophobia can become a debilitating condition that interferes with an individual's personal life, their social life and job responsibilities. Untreated, Pyrophobia can impact every aspect of a person's life.