Rhypophobia

Rhypophobia is an intense, irrational fear of defecation. The rhypophobic person may also fear that they will soil themselves, during defecation, and be contaminated with feces. Also associated with this phobia, is an intense fear of dirt and filth.

Rhypophobia derives from the Greek word "rhypos", meaning filth and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Rhypophobia?

As with all phobias, the person suffering with Rhypophobia has been traumatized at some time in their life. That traumatic event is then consistently associated with the act of defecation and of being soiled or contaminated.

Perhaps the rhypophobic person actually experienced the embarrassment and humiliation of accidentally defecating on themselves. Maybe this individual has physical health issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Perhaps the rhypophobic individual was allowed no privacy in the bathroom. Perhaps, as a child, this person watched the negative reactions of others and simply began to imitate that reaction.

Whatever the specific cause, the rhypophobic person can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that completely disrupts their ability to function on a daily basis.

What Are the Symptoms of Rhypophobia?

The symptoms of Rhypophobia are individual and will vary from person to person. Some individuals, when confronted with their fear of defecation, may feel slightly uncomfortable, become nauseated or begin to perspire. At the extreme end of the spectrum, other people are so severely impacted by this phobia, that they experience crippling anxiety and/or panic attacks.

Other symptoms of Rhypophobia may include:

* A Dry Mouth

* Heightened Senses

* Breathlessness

* Rapid Heartbeat

* Heart Palpitations

* Trembling

* Feeling Dizzy

* Feeling Numb

* Hyperventilation

* Muscle Tension

* Feeling Out of Control

* Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape

* Overwhelming Feeling of Danger or Disaster

How Is Rhypophobia Diagnosed?

The majority of cases of Rhypophobia are self-diagnosed. The phobic individual realizes that their fear is irrational and is severely compromising their ability to function.

The rhypophobic individual may discuss their fears with their primary physician. Rarely will the doctor make a diagnosis of Rhypophobia based on the initial discussion with the patient. More routinely, after ruling out any physical reasons for the phobia, the doctor will refer the person to a mental health professional for further assessment and evaluation.

How Is Rhypophobia Treated?

When the fear of defecation becomes so intense as to disrupt a person's daily functioning, there are a number of different ways to treat Rhypophobia.

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 phobic person to recognize and control the phobia.

* Self-help techniques such as progressive or purposeful muscle relaxation.

* Exposure Therapy.

* Hypnotherapy.

* Support groups with other people who cope with this specific phobia.

* Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.

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

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