astraphobia

A bolt of lightning tearing through the sky (and the thunder that accompanies it) can scare someone with astraphobia.

Astraphobia, also known as Brontophobia, Keraunophobia, or Tonitrophobia, is an abnormal fear of thunder and lightning, a type of a specific phobia.

Symptoms (similar to that of all other extreme phobias) can include, but are not limited to acute panic attacks, breathing difficulty, rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and nausea. Sometimes, these feelings can become overwhelming.

Many individuals who are afflicted by this condition try to cope with their fear by hiding from the source itself. During a thunderstorm, children typically hide in seemingly secure windowless places, such as a cupboard under a staircase or under their bed. Adults and teenagers share the same thought mechanism as the aforementioned and will essentially seek solace anywhere one cannot see or hear the storm.

Treatment for astraphobia is similar for that of all other specific phobias.

References

1. Definition MedicineNet Retrieved 20070618
2. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)

See also

• List of phobias
• Ligyrophobia

Donate to Wikimedia