Thanatophobia: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Thanatophobia is defined as an intense, overwhelming fear of death. It is assumed that this fear relates to one's own death. Closely related to thanatophobia, is necrophobia or a fear of dead things. Also known thantophobia, thanatophobia derives from the Greek word "thanatos", meaning death and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Thanatophobia?

As with any phobia, the individual coping with thanatophobia has experienced a trauma associated with death. At an early age, we all learn that death is inevitable and always unpredictable. However, for the person coping with thanatophobia, this knowledge is overwhelming and paralyzing.

Perhaps the thanatophobic individual has experienced the loss of a loved one. Perhaps thanatophobia involves a fear of the unknown, fears about what happens at the point of death or ones beliefs about an afterlife.

Whatever the reason, the person coping with thanatophobia can experience crippling anxiety and emotional turmoil. Thanatophobia can become completely disruptive to an individual's daily functioning.

What Are the Symptoms of Thanatophobia?

The symptoms of thanatophobia are as individual as the people coping with this phobia. Some people, when confronted with their fear of death and dying, may feel slightly uncomfortable, nauseated or simply begin to perspire. At the opposite end of the spectrum, some people are so severely affected by this phobia, that they will experience anxiety and/or panic attacks.

Other symptoms of thanatophobia include:

*A Dry Mouth

*Gasping or Shortness of Breath

*Trembling

*Muscle Tension

*Rapid Heartbeat

*Feeling Out of Control

*Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape

*Feeling of Impending Disaster

How Is Thanatophobia Diagnosed?

The vast majority of cases of thanatophobia are self-diagnosed. The person coping with this phobia, realizes that their fear of death and dying is irrational is has compromised their daily functioning.

The thanatophobic person may then discuss their fears with their doctor. Rarely will the doctor diagnosis thanatophobia based on the initial discussion. More often, after ruling out any physical reason for the phobia, the doctor will refer the person to a mental health professional for further assessment and evaluation.

How Is Thanatophobia Treated?

When the fear of death and dying becomes so intense as to disrupt or halt a person's daily functioning, there are a number of different ways to treat thanatophobia. These can include:

*Talking to the primary physician who will refer the person to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.

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

*Self-help Techniques.

*Support groups with other individuals coping with this phobia.

*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.

*Relaxation Techniques.

* In the most extreme cases of Thanatophobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

Thanatophobia is an intense, irrational fear of death and dying. Sometimes that fear can become so overwhelming as to completely disrupt the individual's ability to maintain a daily routine. Unchecked, thanatophobia can become a debilitating condition that touches every aspect of a person's life.