ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM PHILOPHOBIA?

Some people may develop philophobia – fear of love as a kind of anxiety disorder – when confronted with a ‘lovable’ person. Accompanied by symptoms such as, inter alia, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc. or even an increased heart rate. In this blog we focus briefly on the conditions of this health issue and how to tackle it. Read on to learn more about.     

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

Since philophobia is not a medical term daily used, the majority of our population may not have heard about at all, and you may also not find it in medical dictionaries.
 
Also, most patients struck by philophobia are too shy to talk with their doctor about. Especially, as there are no symptoms ahead, before philophobia strikes. 
 
That’s why this medical key term and its ‘philosophy behind’ is largely left in the dark.

IN-DEPTH CONTEMPLATION

However, since this phenomenon exists in realty, with many citizens affected, we want to look at it more in-depth.
 
Especially as philophobia is not listed in the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual’ (DSM-5) which is used by doctors worldwide for appropriate diagnostics.
 
In fact, the term philophobia comes originally from the Greek language, with ‘philos’ meaning love and ‘phobos’ meaning fear.
 
Speak: philophobia is a special type of anxiety disorder arising at the sight of a very likeable (‘lovable’) person.  
 
Potentially accompanied by symptoms such as, inter alia,

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Unsteadiness
• Shaking
• Trembling
• Panic
• Sweating

or even

• Increased heart rate

 
This kind of irrational feeling may arise once in a while, or every day, making daily life a challenge. Independent of gender, age, or social background of the respective person.
 
Going back in many cases to childhood when relationship in a family was emotionally disturbed with kids lacking appropriate affection – and love. That’s the research-based finding at the UOC Quality Control ASL Napoli 1 Centre (NCBI) in Napoli, Italy.  

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Leaves us with the question about the treatment of philophobia.
 
In many cases patients are conventionally prescribed pharmaceutical drugs such as tranquilizers, antidepressants or beta-blockers to relieve above mentioned symptoms (with drug-related side effects) – a vicious cycle.
 
Instead, better results of relief may be expected mentally from

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Psychotherapy

and

• counseling  
  

IN A NUTSHELL

Independent of gender, age or social background, some people may develop philophobia – fear of love as a kind of anxiety disorder – when confronted with a ‘lovable’ person. Accompanied by symptoms such as, inter alia, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc. or even an increased heart rate. Usually a type of family uneasiness going back to childhood. In this blog we focus briefly on the conditions of this health issue not being listed officially in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). With special reference to Italian research.        

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DISCLAIMER

All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.