Agliophobia or Althiophobia: fear of pain

George Alvarez 18-10-2023
George Alvarez

Of course no one likes to feel pain, but when it becomes an irrational and unreasonable fear, we are talking about agliophobia or algophobia. It is characterized by disproportionate fear of pain where the person has an intense feeling of weakness and vulnerability.

This phobia of pain is not only for objects, but also for feelings that can cause you suffering, according to each person's perception. For example, fear of someone, an emotional dependency. However, there are therapeutic and psychological techniques that can greatly contribute to overcoming the phobia of feeling pain.

This disorder of the mind can also trigger several other psychological pathologies, such as anxiety disorders and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

Table of Contents

  • What is Agliophobia or Algophobia?
  • Symptoms of Pain Phobia
  • What are the causes of fear of pain?
  • What are the consequences of the fear of pain? How to identify the fear of pain as a phobia?
  • What treatment for fear of pain?
  • Why do phobias develop in the first place?
  • Final considerations about pain phobia
    • How to control phobia crises?

What is Agliophobia or Algophobia?

Beforehand, pain is subjective, that is, each person feels it in a different way Some are used to chronic pain that doesn't get in the way of their activities, so they are more tolerant of routine pain causes, such as the application of a vaccine injection.

However, when the fear is constant in the person's mind, causing anxiety and intense suffering, they are sick, and can be diagnosed with agliophobia / algophobia, which is the disproportionate and unjustifiable fear of feeling pain, which damages mental as well as physical health.

There is a fine line between the normal fear of pain and agliophobia, so that the person with this phobia becomes obsessed with avoiding, as much as possible, the stimulus that will cause him pain, which becomes extremely disturbing for his daily activities, even for his health care, such as avoiding doctors and dentists.

Symptoms of Pain Phobia

Who over with agliophobia may have stimuli of the most diverse forms So pain phobia is a measure of the intensity of fear of specific objects or circumstances, which the phobic interprets as painful.

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First of all, the main symptom is extreme anxiety at the fear of feeling pain. In some cases, even imagining going through a certain situation, even if it is not present. In other words, it develops the anxiety by mere anticipation about the mental trigger you have developed.

Therefore, the symptoms of those who have agliophobia Here are some of the main symptoms:

  • avoidance and escape from the stimuli that it fears;
  • shortness of breath, feeling of suffocation;
  • muscle tension;
  • sweating;
  • pupil dilation;
  • nausea and dizziness;
  • shivers;
  • dry mouth;
  • gasping for breath;
  • increased heart rate;
  • hysteria;
  • faint;
  • involuntary crying.

What are the causes of fear of pain?

As you can see, there are no specific causes that result in aglio-phobia. However, there are factors that, according to science, contribute to its development For example:

  • past experiences related to pain, both when you have felt it and when you have witnessed it;
  • Genetic factors can also have an influence;
  • Sensitive people are more susceptible to fear.

What are the consequences of the fear of pain? How to identify the fear of pain as a phobia?

Above all, understand that only a mind-health professional will know how to correctly identify that your fear of pain is about agliophobia.

Then several criteria must be considered, for example, identify what the triggers are What causes the pain phobia, that is, what are the stressors.

In the meantime, it is also verified if this intense fear is harming your routine, personally and professionally.

What treatment for fear of pain?

If you have any of the symptoms, assume to yourself that you need professional help, this will be your first step to healing.

Read Also: Atelophobia: fear of being imperfect

Among the most effective treatments are therapies, see which one you most identify with and start your sessions. For example, a therapy-like session with a psychoanalyst.

This professional will know how to use techniques to discover, in your unconscious mind, the causes, thus determining the most correct treatment for your cure.

I want information to enroll in the Psychoanalysis Course .

Why do phobias develop in the first place?

Fears, in general, have several causes, specifically as to what has been experienced by each person. They are hidden situations of the mind, which, most of the time, the person cannot identify on their own, needing a mind professional to interpret them.

Commonly, some factors are characteristic for the development of phobias, such as:

  • accelerated, fanciful and anxious thoughts;
  • insecurity, fear of facing daily situations;
  • limiting beliefs and superstitions;
  • past traumas;
  • archetypes;
  • lack of information.

Final considerations about pain phobia

Above all, facing the situations of pain, which life makes one experience, is inevitable and must be seen as a process of maturing, of personal and emotional growth And during this whole process, emotional pain, or even physical pain, is inevitable.

Now, fittingly, there is a Buddhist saying:

Pain is real, but suffering is optional.

How to control phobia crises?

First of all, try to breathe deeply. Most people in a phobic crisis breathe shallowly. Thus, the brain begins to understand that it is in a dangerous situation, as a result, it triggers the other symptoms, such as anxiety. So, take a deep breath!

Then apply relaxation techniques, such as: find a comfortable position and close your eyes; fix your attention to each part of your body, gradually, that is, relax each part. Now open your eyes and stretch slowly.

See_also: The Anna O case interpreted by Freud

Therefore, agliophobia is the exaggerated, disproportionate, and irrational fear of feeling fear. That is, what for most is just a life experience, for the phobic it is disturbing Definitely, if you present some characteristics described in this article, seek help, understand that your mind and body are out of balance.

Are you curious to know more about the mysteries of the human mind? Then get to know our training course in Psychoanalysis, you will have benefits such as:

  • Improve Self-Knowledge: The experience of psychoanalysis, is able to provide the student and the patient/client with insights into themselves that would be virtually impossible to obtain on their own;
  • improves interpersonal relationships: Understanding how the mind works can lead to better relationships with family and work members. The course is a tool that helps the student to understand other people's thoughts, feelings, emotions, pains, desires, and motivations.

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George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.