Phobia of large objects

Severe, irrational and persistent fear of very large objects or structures is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and disruption in a person's life. This state is classified as a specific phobia. While many may feel awe or even mild discomfort at the enormity of certain structures or phenomena, a phobia of large objects is characterized by crippling anxiety and active avoidance. Sufferers may be afraid of tall buildings, giant statues, ships, or even huge mountains. Understanding the nature of phobia of large objects and recognizing it as a treatable clinical condition is the first step in its management. The place of fear of large objects in the classification of specific phobias (DSM-5) Although various terms such as "megalophobia" are used to describe this fear, this name does not exist as an independent and official diagnostic category in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). In clinical practice, phobia of large objects is usually under the general title of specific phobia. Depending on the exact focus of the fear, it is possible to classify the phobia of large objects in the subgroup "Other Type" (Other Type) or sometimes "Situational Type" (Situational Type), especially if the fear is mainly related to being in situations close to these objects. Importantly, the general diagnostic criteria of specific phobia, including disproportionate fear, immediate anxiety response, avoidance, perseveration, and impaired functioning, are also used to diagnose this condition. Common triggers in phobia of large objects A wide range of objects and situations can cause fear reactions in people with this type of phobia. The common factor of all of them is their very large and unusual scale compared to the usual size or the size of the person himself. Some common triggers are: - Architectural and engineering structures: Skyscrapers, huge bridges, dams, big tunnels, giant wind turbines, high pressure power towers. - Large vehicles: cruise or cargo ships, airplanes (especially close-ups on the ground), trains, trucks, and large buses. - Natural or artistic elements: very high mountains, huge rocks, large statues/monuments, sometimes even vast natural phenomena such as the ocean or the boundless sky. - Living creatures (less common): very large animals such as whales or dinosaurs (in pictures or museums). Clinical signs and symptoms of anxiety in the face of greatness Encountering a very large object or situation (or even anticipating or imagining it) in a person with this specific type of phobia can cause severe anxiety reactions. These reactions may be similar to a panic attack and include physiological symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, trembling of the body or hands, feeling short of breath or suffocation, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, and nausea or gastrointestinal upset. The person also shows a strong desire to run away from the situation or avoid it completely. Cognitively, fearful and catastrophic thoughts dominate, such as the fear of being crushed under a large object, the fear of a structure collapsing, or an intense feeling of smallness, insignificance, and overwhelm in the face of that greatness. Symptoms caused by phobia of large objects can be very distressing. A look at the etiological perspectives and underlying factors of fear of large objects While the exact cause of the formation of fear of large objects, like many other specific phobias, is not completely clear, various theories have been proposed in this field. The evolutionary perspective suggests that this fear may be a remnant of our ancestors' need to fear large and potentially dangerous natural creatures or phenomena, which has been extended to large objects today. Learning experiences may also play a role; A negative or fearful experience in the past that was somehow associated with a large object (such as being stuck in an elevator in a tall building as a child or seeing a horror movie with giant monsters) can lead to this fear through classical conditioning. Cognitive factors, such as a tendency to catastrophize or an inability to properly process scale and perspective, can also be effective in perpetuating the phobia of large objects. Also, there is a possibility of coexistence with other anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Effective therapeutic approaches for phobia of large objects The good news is that specific phobias, including phobias of large objects, respond well to treatment. The main treatments are evidence-based and aim to reduce the anxiety response and eliminate avoidance behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This approach helps a person to identify his irrational and distorted thoughts about the dangers of large objects and replace them with more realistic thoughts. Also, anxiety management and relaxation techniques are taught. - Exposure Therapy: This method is the core of the treatment of specific phobias and includes gradual and controlled exposure to fearful stimuli so that the person gets used to them and the anxiety response decreases. Effective positions in the treatment of phobia of large objects are: Imaginal Exposure: Imagining yourself near or interacting with a large object. - Exposure through images and videos (Photos/Videos). - Exposure to virtual reality (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy - VRET): This technology allows a very realistic and safe simulation of exposure to large environments or objects (such as flying over the city or standing next to a tall building) and is very effective. - Visiting real environments (In vivo exposure): planning for gradual visits with the support of the therapist to the places where there are fearful stimuli. Understanding, managing and overcoming the phobia of large objects at Neurali Center Agoraphobia, although it may be less known, is a real and serious condition that can severely limit a person's quality of life and freedom. It is entirely possible to overcome a phobia of large objects and regain the ability to enjoy the world without paralyzing fear. If you or someone you know is facing a severe and uncontrollable fear of large objects or structures, the experienced professionals at Noorali Psychological Counseling and Services Center are ready to accompany you on this path by providing detailed assessment and individualized treatment plans. Contact us for more information and to schedule a consultation.