Neophobia: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit
 
CSV import
 
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Neophobia
| synonyms        = Fear of new things
| specialty      = [[Psychiatry]], [[Psychology]]
| symptoms        = [[Anxiety]], [[avoidance behavior]]
| onset          = Childhood or adulthood
| duration        = Variable
| causes          = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[environmental factors]]
| risks          = [[Social isolation]], [[stress]]
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical assessment]]
| differential    = [[Generalized anxiety disorder]], [[specific phobia]]
| treatment      = [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[exposure therapy]]
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = Common
}}
'''Neophobia''' is a psychological condition characterized by an extreme or irrational fear or dislike of anything new, novel, or unfamiliar. It is a common trait among toddlers and preschoolers, but can also be found in adults and animals, particularly in response to new foods or environments.  
'''Neophobia''' is a psychological condition characterized by an extreme or irrational fear or dislike of anything new, novel, or unfamiliar. It is a common trait among toddlers and preschoolers, but can also be found in adults and animals, particularly in response to new foods or environments.  
==Definition==
==Definition==
[[Neophobia]] is derived from the Greek words 'neos' meaning new, and 'phobos' meaning fear. It is a term used in psychology to describe a severe fear of anything new. In its milder form, it can manifest as a reluctance to try new things or break from routine. In its more severe forms, it can lead to a complete refusal to engage with the new or unfamiliar, causing significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
[[Neophobia]] is derived from the Greek words 'neos' meaning new, and 'phobos' meaning fear. It is a term used in psychology to describe a severe fear of anything new. In its milder form, it can manifest as a reluctance to try new things or break from routine. In its more severe forms, it can lead to a complete refusal to engage with the new or unfamiliar, causing significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
==Causes==
==Causes==
The exact cause of neophobia is unknown, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some research suggests that it may be an evolutionary response designed to protect against potential danger or poisoning from unfamiliar substances or environments.
The exact cause of neophobia is unknown, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some research suggests that it may be an evolutionary response designed to protect against potential danger or poisoning from unfamiliar substances or environments.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
Symptoms of neophobia can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
Symptoms of neophobia can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
Line 13: Line 26:
* Physical symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or nausea when faced with something new
* Physical symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or nausea when faced with something new
* Difficulty functioning in daily life due to fear of the new or unfamiliar
* Difficulty functioning in daily life due to fear of the new or unfamiliar
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for neophobia typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to change the thought patterns that lead to fear and avoidance. Exposure therapy, a type of CBT where the individual is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation, may also be used. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Treatment for neophobia typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to change the thought patterns that lead to fear and avoidance. Exposure therapy, a type of CBT where the individual is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation, may also be used. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Phobia]]
* [[Phobia]]
Line 22: Line 33:
* [[Cognitive-behavioral therapy]]
* [[Cognitive-behavioral therapy]]
* [[Exposure therapy]]
* [[Exposure therapy]]
==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Phobias]]
[[Category:Phobias]]
[[Category:Anxiety disorders]]
[[Category:Anxiety disorders]]
[[Category:Psychological disorders]]
[[Category:Psychological disorders]]
[[Category:Psychiatry]]
[[Category:Psychiatry]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}
{{No image}}

Latest revision as of 01:02, 4 April 2025


Neophobia
Synonyms Fear of new things
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Psychiatry, Psychology
Symptoms Anxiety, avoidance behavior
Complications N/A
Onset Childhood or adulthood
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Genetic predisposition, environmental factors
Risks Social isolation, stress
Diagnosis Clinical assessment
Differential diagnosis Generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia
Prevention N/A
Treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Neophobia is a psychological condition characterized by an extreme or irrational fear or dislike of anything new, novel, or unfamiliar. It is a common trait among toddlers and preschoolers, but can also be found in adults and animals, particularly in response to new foods or environments.

Definition[edit]

Neophobia is derived from the Greek words 'neos' meaning new, and 'phobos' meaning fear. It is a term used in psychology to describe a severe fear of anything new. In its milder form, it can manifest as a reluctance to try new things or break from routine. In its more severe forms, it can lead to a complete refusal to engage with the new or unfamiliar, causing significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of neophobia is unknown, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some research suggests that it may be an evolutionary response designed to protect against potential danger or poisoning from unfamiliar substances or environments.

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of neophobia can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

  • Extreme anxiety or fear when confronted with new or unfamiliar situations, objects, or people
  • Avoidance of new experiences or changes in routine
  • Physical symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or nausea when faced with something new
  • Difficulty functioning in daily life due to fear of the new or unfamiliar

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for neophobia typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to change the thought patterns that lead to fear and avoidance. Exposure therapy, a type of CBT where the individual is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation, may also be used. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia


Stub icon
   This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!