What Is Trypophobia (Fear of Holes): Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Trypophobia

Trypophobia is a fear or discomfort when seeing clusters of small holes. While it’s not officially recognized as a specific phobia, many people report feeling disgusted, queasy, or distressed when looking at objects with small holes grouped.

The word “trypophobia” was first used online in 2005, combining the Greek words “trypa” (meaning hole) and “phobia” (meaning fear).

Triggers of Trypophobia

People with trypophobia may feel uncomfortable when looking at the following items:

• Lotus seed pods
• Honeycombs
• Strawberries
• Swiss cheese
• Coral
• Pomegranates
• Sponges
• Bubbles
• Skin scabs or lesions
• Spotted animal skin (like leopards or frogs)

Some may react more to irregularly shaped holes, while others may be disturbed by any small, closely packed holes, even in common patterns like polka dots.

Symptoms of Trypophobia

If you have trypophobia, you might experience the following symptoms when looking at or thinking about clusters of holes:

• Goosebumps or chills
• Nausea or gagging
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Visual discomfort or strain
• Feeling a strong urge to escape the sight
• Panic or shaking

Research suggests that disgust is the primary emotion, rather than fear.

Causes of Trypophobia

• Scientists aren’t completely sure what causes trypophobia, but a few theories include:
  Evolutionary fear of dangerous creatures: Some animals with harmful traits, like snakes and spiders, share visual patterns similar to clustered holes. This might trigger a subconscious fear.
•  Avoidance of illness: Clusters of holes may remind the brain of skin diseases or infections, prompting an evolutionary response to avoid germs.

Risk Factors For Trypophobia

There is limited research on what causes someone to develop trypophobia, but possible risk factors include:

• A past traumatic experience with something that had small holes.
• Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. A study found that people in a trypophobia support group were more likely to have anxiety or depressive disorders.

Diagnosis of Trypophobia

There is no official diagnosis of trypophobia. However, a mental health professional can recognize the distress caused by clusters of holes and help treat it as a specific phobia.

Treatment Options For Trypophobia

Although trypophobia isn’t officially classified, there are effective treatments available:

Therapy:

• Exposure therapy: Gradually confronting the object of fear in a controlled setting can help you adjust your reaction.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you change negative thought patterns associated with trypophobia.

Medication:

While there isn’t a medication specifically for trypophobia, some medications used for anxiety disorders might help, including:

• Antidepressants
• Benzodiazepines
• Beta-blockers

Relaxation Techniques:

• Deep breathing
• Mindfulness
• Spending time in nature
• Yoga

Outlook For Trypophobia

While trypophobia may not have official recognition, the symptoms can be very real. If your fear of holes impacts your daily life, therapy, and coping strategies can help ease distress.