Question

How is coulrophobia diagnosed?

Answer 1

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) doesn’t recognize coulrophobia as a phobic disorder in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). There are no set criteria for diagnosing it.

A healthcare provider may recommend an evaluation with a mental health professional like a psychologist. This provider may diagnose coulrophobia after evaluating symptoms, including the impact of the phobia on daily life.

You or your child may have a specific phobic disorder like coulrophobia if the fear:

• Occurs when you see a clown or its image.
• Causes you to avoid certain situations like parties or the movies.
• Brings on intense distress that doesn’t match the actual danger.
• Lasts six months or longer.
• Affects your quality of life.