What are the symptoms of algophobia?
What are the symptoms of algophobia?
People with algophobia may exhibit the following cycle of pain and anxiety:
- Catastrophizing: Someone catastrophizes if they envision the worst possible outcome in any situation. If you have algophobia, you may perceive pain as a threat. For example, a simple activity like getting the mail might seem dangerous. If you fall and break your leg on the way to the mailbox, the pain might prevent you from working and earning a living.
- Hypervigilance: You react to the threat of pain by becoming intensely focused on it. Your fear comes from anticipating pain, not experiencing pain. You may see the potential for pain in any scenario. You associate harmless activities or bodily sensations with pain.
- Fear-avoidance: You avoid activities or movements that you believe could cause you pain. Some people develop kinesophobia (fear of pain due to movement), which prevents them from healing or rehabilitating. Avoidance can lead to further disability, increased pain or other health problems. It can also affect your ability to function at school, work or in social situations.
It’s also possible for people with algophobia to have sudden panic attacks at the thought of pain. Symptoms may include:
- Chills.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
- Dyspepsia (upset stomach or indigestion).
- Heart palpitations.
- Nausea.
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Trembling or shaking.
- Upset stomach or indigestion (dyspepsia).