What is Acarophobia? Fear of Itching, and Fear of Insects That Cause Itching

Acarophobia is defined as a persistent, abnormal, and unwarranted fear of itching, and the fear of the insects that cause itching. Each year this surprisingly common phobia causes many people suffer from stress. The problem often significantly impacts the quality of life of the patient. It can cause stress attacks and keep people away from their loved ones and business associates.

Symptoms of Acarophobia:

• Shortness of breath.
• Fear of itching or of the insects that cause itching.
• Feelings of dread.
• Shaking.
• Heart palpitations.
• Rapid breathing.
• Becoming mad or losing control.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Dry mouth.
• Inability to speak or think clearly.
• Sweating.
• Nausea.

What is The Cause of Acarophobia?

Acarophobia is developed by the unconscious mind as a defensive mechanism which evolved as a result of some event in past linking together itching or the insects that cause itching to the emotional trauma.

The actual phobia manifests itself in different ways. Some patients experience it almost all the time, others just in response to direct stimuli.

Treatment for Acarophobia:

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is basically the study and practice of how we create our reality. According to NLP a phobia is the result of our programs or "constructs" that we have created and don't work very well. These constructs are revealed and "re-programmed" with the help of NLP so that the Driving Phobia is minimized.

Energy Psychology is based on a theory and practice that has been around for a couple of thousand years. It has the same roots as acupuncture, except in this case there are no needles used. It is an emotional acupuncture.

Counseling , where a psychologist will help to put fears through discussion and reasoning.

Cognitive therapy in which changes in behaviour are encouraged through persistent practical exercises.