What Is Pyrophobia (Fear of Fire)

Pyrophobia, or fear of fire, is a specific kind of phobia where an individual develops an irrational and uncontrollable fear when they see or encounter any fire-related incident. In addition to this, this phobia can also be considered an anxiety disorder. 

In this article, the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and coping strategies of pyrophobia have been discussed in detail. Read on to know more.

The individuals suffering from pyrophobia often experience intense panic or anxiety even when they watch a video or think about an incident related to fire. Their fear of fire may cause them to anticipate a fire-related danger even without the possibility of a threat. 

Even a candle flame or a bonfire may trigger anxiety in people suffering from pyrophobia.

The symptoms of pyrophobia can be divided into psychological and physical factors affecting the human body and mind in general. Here are some of the significant emotional symptoms that one may face: 

• Sudden experience of extreme and unreasonable fear on thinking about fire

• Unable to control the feeling of fear or anxiousness

• Avoidance from parties and events where fire may be present

• Difficulty in carrying out daily work and activities, school or college obligations due to this fear

Apart from these emotional signs of the fear of fire, there are some physical symptoms of this phobia that people may encounter. 

• Increase in heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or breathlessness
• Experiencing tightness in the chest
• Excessive sweating
• Feeling tremors 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness and feeling of fainting 

As different individuals face diverse symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention if the problem continues to interfere with their daily life activities. 

Though the fear and anxiety caused by pyrophobia can be intense, the exact causes of the same cannot be identified. However, there can be a combination of causes responsible for the development of this fear.

• Past Traumatic Experience

Most of the time, the cause of pyrophobia or any other type of specific phobia is the encounter of any traumatic experience concerning fire. This may include an incident of getting burned or being caught in a fire, or encountering an accident caused due to fire. 

• Genetics or Learned Behaviour

It is noted that people tend to build phobias from their childhood when they see their parents undergoing the same. For example, parents who have anxiety disorder have a high probability of passing on the fear to their child. 

• Problems in Brain Function 

Another cause that can be a prominent reason for pyrophobia is the existing condition of anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

There can be different factors that act as a trigger for pyrophobia which are as follows. 

People possessing an intense fear of fire may experience the same when coming in contact with candles or bonfires. They may also get anxious just by thinking about fire.

Apart from facing the symptoms as mentioned above on pyrophobia, the effect of the same can deteriorate daily work and life of individuals. Here are some serious complications that can arise while coming in contact with fire.

• Feeling extreme anxiety when getting the smell of smoke or of something getting burnt
• Avoidance of social gatherings or choosing isolation from events involving fire (even bonfires or candle flames)
• Increased heart rate and palpitation even on the sight of a burning candle 
• Becoming paranoid and checking cooking stove or any other heating elements recurrently

These complications directly impact life, making it impossible to function properly. Hence, it becomes necessary for the person suffering from this kind of fear to seek medical guidance.

The diagnosis of pyrophobia starts with understanding the symptoms of it and assessing them. Once done, a therapist will ask a few questions that will help them to understand the root cause of one’s behavioural pattern that brings the fear of fire. 

In addition to this, the therapist may follow the diagnostic criterion as mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 

Depending upon the results derived from the diagnosis procedure a therapist prepares a treatment program that suits the needs of the patient. Here are the potent treatments for pyrophobia that are available and commonly practised.

• Exposure Therapy

With the help of Exposure Therapy, people are able to face and manage their fears. In these therapy sessions, the doctor gradually and repetitively exposes one to a feared object/event. This starts with showing them pictures or videos of fire and slowly moves to encountering actual fire. 

With the help of this therapy, one can manage and control their fears effectively, which also diminishes the chances of getting panic attacks or recurring symptoms. 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

Therapists generally use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy during the process of Exposure Therapy. CBT primarily focuses on understanding the negative pattern of behaviour which aggravates pyrophobia. After this, it enables individuals to learn effective coping mechanisms and strategies to control their anxiety. 

In the sessions of CBT, an individual discusses one’s fears with the therapist. Their past experiences and incidents provide sufficient information to help a therapist understand the thought process which instigates the fear. 

After this, they work together to eliminate or replace such negative thoughts to reinforce ideas that no longer makes them feel threatened on seeing a feared element (fire). 

• Medication 

Medication while treating pyrophobia is often necessary to manage and control anxiety and panic attacks. Mostly, doctors recommend medicines as discussed below. 

• Benzodiazepines 

Benzo drugs function to offer relaxation in times of anxiety or stress. However, individuals must consume these drugs only for a short period of time and as per the prescribed dosage. 

• Antidepressants

Many therapists suggest antidepressants to their patients who are undergoing treatment for a phobia to deal with bouts of anxiety. These medicines change the brain's functioning on detecting fear of fire and affect the mood in general. 

• Beta-Blockers

Doctors and therapists widely prescribe beta-blockers to help patients deal with high blood pressure caused by anxiety problems. In addition to treating this problem, beta-blockers help in curing problems associated with increased heart rate and trembling. 

• Experimental Therapy 

Based on a patient's mental and medical health, there can be other associated therapies like family or group therapy, support group activities or one-on-one therapies that doctors often recommend. 

This is because, in the case of treating pyrophobia or any other phobia, specific therapies work best for different individuals, catering to their unique needs. Hence, therapists choose a combination of treatment plans to help them recover faster. 

Medical intervention and guidance are necessary when experiencing these symptoms for more than six months. Moreover, these signs interfere and cause threats and disturbances in daily life. 

Timely consultation with a therapist and following the guidelines or daily life routine as prescribed by a therapist will help the individual to manage and control the extreme feeling of anxiety associated with pyrophobia. 

In addition to reaching out to any medical professional, an individual facing trouble coping with the effects of pyrophobia can adopt a few natural habits for optimum benefits: 

• Adopting Relaxation Techniques

Individuals dealing with anxiety or fear can choose mindfulness meditation or yoga. These help to calm the muscles and brain cells and work best for uplifting one’s mood. 

• Getting Social Support

Most individuals who have pyrophobia or other kinds of phobia tend to isolate themselves from friends and close ones. However, talking with close ones and sharing one’s thoughts can help with more valuable tips that can be applied in their lives. 

Additionally, involving support groups of individuals who are dealing with similar problems and experiences will allow one to learn and manage their fear in a better way. 

• Facing Your Fears

Avoiding or being in denial about the fear causes the anxiety to aggravate. Hence, it is always a good choice to face one’s inner fear by slowly exposing oneself to the feared object/situation. However, to avoid any repercussions, it is advisable to take a step towards this exposure in the presence of medical supervision. 

• Try to Find Distractions

Indulging oneself in creative work or a hobby will not only allow developing productive thoughts but also help in calming one’s senses and reduce anxiety significantly.

However, in some cases, taking help from all these coping strategies do not help in minimising the symptoms and overall effects of pyrophobia. It is at this time that seeking medical guidance becomes necessary. It is pivotal to note that timely counselling and treatment of the health issues arising from pyrophobia can help cure it completely.