Introduction:
A phobia is an excessive, persistent, unrealistic fear of a situation, object, animal, or person. It is a kind of anxiety disorder. Usually, the person with these problems endures the situation with more fear or anxiety and tries avoiding it to escape the fear. In this case, the person lives relatively free of stress by running or avoiding the situation they fear the most. Some phobias can be troublesome in a variety of places or situations. People should try overcoming phobias by altering their life drastically because they can affect a person's jobs, driving, employment, and activities in and out of their homes. So what is the fear of storms called? Fear of storms is called astraphobia. The alternative word for astraphobia is brontophobia. Storms are considered a phenomenon that brings out strong emotions in people, like fear in animals and humans. It is not uncommon for adults to have this phobia.
What Is Astraphobia?
Astraphobia is the fear of thunderstorms and lightning. The fear of thunderstorms in adults has become common and can happen to almost every child. Animals are also impacted by astraphobia. Persons who are scared of thunder feel incredibly anxious when they are about to face a thunderstorm. They habitually read the weather column in newspapers or watch weather reports with more obsession. They might also have an anxiety attack during a thunderstorm. They cannot stand the sound or sight of lightning or thunderstorm.
Who Can Get Astraphobia?
It is not a recognized disease or condition. There are three types of phobias- specific phobias (simple phobias), social phobias, and agoraphobia. Storm phobia is classified as a particular phobia. An extreme phobia can be a common type of mental disorder. Young children are more likely to have storm phobia. The children are scared of thunderstorms, especially those with autism spectrum disorder. People do not realize that fear is not proportional to the threat caused by the thunderstorm. The following factors can cause astrophobia:
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Any history of weather-related trauma, like a history of living through a major disaster.
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History of family members with astraphobia.
What Are the Symptoms of Astraphobia?
Some storm phobia symptoms are unique, and some can be similar to other phobias. Excessive phobias can cause immediate fear that is unreasonable and excessive. The typical sign during a thunderstorm are:
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Sweating.
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Dizziness (syncope).
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Chest pain and shortness of breath (dyspnea).
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Heart palpitations.
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Numbness.
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The obsessive desire to monitor the weather conditions by checking the forecast consistently.
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Compulsive behavior like hiding behind someone or a closet to feel a sense of safety and protection.
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Unable to control their emotional, physical, and psychological reactions.
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Their feelings are irrational and overblown.
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Avoid all places or sites where a storm can break through.
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All these symptoms can worsen when they are alone.
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Occasionally diarrhea.
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Uncontrollable shaking (tremors).
How Common Is Astraphobia?
It is one of the most common specific phobias. About 8 percent of adults suffer from specific phobias. Particular phobias are two times more frequent in women than men. Having a family member who fears lightning increases the risk of astraphobia.
What Are the Diagnostic Methods for Astraphobia?
The healthcare provider typically asks the patient a few questions related to the phobia. Those symptoms can be associated with another mental health diagnosis. Any other mental conditions do not cause them. The doctor will assess the individual’s symptoms. Some medical tests or lab tests are done to rule out the underlying medical condition.
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Has one experienced anxiety for the last six months or longer?
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Any avoidance of lightning or thunder in movies or pictures?
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Did they experience extreme fear or pain when they saw a clap of thunder or lightning?
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Did they experience distress or fear when they saw a thunderstorm in the weather forecast?
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Any panic interferes with life even when they know they are safe?
What Is the Treatment for Fear of Thunderstorms and Lightning?
The treatment options are as follows:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is structured, goal-oriented talk therapy that helps manage mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and fear and cope with worry or stress. Psychologists and other mental health professionals use it to treat mental health conditions and emotional concerns. They help the individual to take a close look at their thoughts and emotions. They help them understand how their thoughts affect their actions. They help them to unlearn negative thoughts and adopt healthier thinking patterns. CBT is an evidence-based treatment that is grounded in theory.
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) helps process emotions better by combining talk therapy with meditation. DBT has evolved into an evidence-based psychotherapy approach used to treat many conditions. The settings in DBT include group therapy, phone coaching, and individual therapy. In group therapy, the patients are taught behavioral skills in a group setting. Unique treatment involves a trained professional who allows a patient's learned behavioral skills to be adapted to their life challenges. In phone coaching, the patient can call the therapist between sessions to receive guidance on coping with a difficult situation.
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Exposure Therapy- It is one of the highly effective treatments. It helps the patient to get more used to the situation. The patient can hear recordings of the thunderstorm sound and look at pictures. Eventually, they will practice staying calm during the actual situation.
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Stress Management Techniques- Aerobic exercises and jumping jacks can be done during panic hours. The coping strategies help lessen the stress and anxiety linked to the particular situation. Deep breathing is done to calm down.
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Medications- When a storm is seen on the forecast, the doctor might prescribe anti-anxiety medications to manage stress.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Astraphobia?
Sometimes untreatable astraphobia increases the risk of anxiety, depression, social isolation, and substance use problems like drug addiction and alcoholism. However, with proper treatment, it is possible to overcome these fears. The best way one can do it is by seeking professional help.
Conclusion:
Astraphobia is an extreme fear of storms and lightning. Some people overcome the fear as they get older. The treatment includes stress management, medications, exposure therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Still, astraphobia is a common specific phobia. Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants calm the emotional and physical reactions to fear.
