Selenophobia or Fear of the Moon

Selenophobia is defined as an intense, persistent and irrational fear of the moon. Sometimes referred to as Lunaphobia, the word derives from the Greek "seleno," meaning moon and "phobos" meaning fear.

People coping with Selenophobia fear the darkness of night and what may happen when the moon if full. Selenophobic individuals fear the impact of the moon on human behavior and whether or not the moon can influence their mental health.

What Causes Selenophobia?

Perhaps there is no rational, logical explanation for Selenophobia. However, throughout history there has been an implied correlation between insanity and the phases of the moon. Maybe the individual coping with Selenophobia watched others respond in a negative way and began to imitate their fear of the moon. Of course, one could logically assume that Hollywood has only intensified the selenophobic individual's fear of the moon.

Whatever the cause, the person suffering from Selenophobia can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that can completely disrupt daily functioning.

What Are the Symptoms of Selenophobia?

The symptoms of Selenophobia are individual to the person coping with this phobia. Some people, when confronted with their fear of the moon, may feel uncomfortable, nauseated or begin to perspire. At the opposite end of the spectrum, other people are so severely compromised by this phobia, that they experience anxiety and/or panic attacks.

Other symptoms of Selenophobia include:

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

How Is Selenophobia Diagnosed?

The majority of cases of Selenophobia are self-diagnosed. The individual realizes that their fear is irrational and that it has severely compromised their daily functioning.

The selenophobic person may then discuss their fears with the doctor. Rarely will the doctor diagnosis Selenophobia based on that initial discussion. It is more likely that the doctor, after ruling out any physical reasons for the phobia, will refer the individual to a mental health professional for further assessment and evaluation.

How Is Selenophobia Treated?

When the fear of the moon becomes so intense as to disrupt a person's daily functioning, there are a number of ways to treat Selenophobia. These can include:

• Talking to the primary physician who can then refer the person to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.
• Traditional "talk" therapy that will assist the person in learning to recognize and cope with their phobia.
• Self-help techniques.
• Support groups with others who cope with this phobia.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Exposure Therapy.
• Relaxation Techniques.
• In extreme cases of Selenophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

  Selenophobia is an intense, irrational fear of the moon. Sometimes that fear can become so overwhelming as to completely disrupt the person's ability to maintain a daily routine. Unchecked Selenophobia can become a paralyzing condition that touches every single aspect of a person's life.