What is Trypophobia (Fear of Holes): Meaning, Symptoms and Treatment

Trypophobia comes from the Greek word "trypta", which means holes, and "phobia", meaning fear. The feeling of extreme anxiety or disgust after seeing or thinking of an object that has holes as its patterns is one of the significant signs of trypophobia. 

This article states all essential information related to trypophobia to create awareness for people looking to deal with it. So, keep reading the article to learn about its triggers, risk factors and more.

People with trypophobia can fear anything that contains a hole. Some of the objects of fear are mentioned below as an example. Individuals can face sheer discomfort at the sight of these elements:

• Honeycombs
• Sponges
• Bath bombs

Countless factors act as a trigger for a different person for a specific phobia. However, here are the factors that can trigger this fear of holes in a person: 

• Pebbles or holes in the concrete walls or on the road
• Air holes in cheese or a slice of bread
• Head of the lotus flower plant
• Spots, sores, scars or any other skin problems
• Showerheads
• Spotted animals like leopards or reindeer
• Holes in a net
• Bubbles or bubble wrap
• Coral
• Insect eyes or honeycomb
• Strawberries or pomegranates
• Sponges

Trypophobia triggers cause acute to chronic distress among people several times a week and can persist even more.

Different kinds of specific phobias have similar symptoms, as it instigates fear or anxiety among individuals. Here are the possible symptoms of trypophobia that one should never ignore: 

• Feeling emotional stress or discomfort
• Experiencing unmanageable fear
• Feelings of revulsions
• Developing goosebumps at the sight of holes
• Itching
• Nausea
• Getting panic attacks
• Increase in rapid breathing
• Shaking or feeling a tremor
• Extreme sweating
• Vomiting
• Increase in blood pressure

Mainly, the symptoms of this phobia, which occurs frequently, may interfere with daily work. This is when treating the same becomes necessary.

Over the years, there have been debates and research on the prevalence of this phobia. Based on medical cases diagnosed by doctors, here are the most potent causes of trypophobia: 

• Trypophobia can develop due to evolutionary factors like diseased skin or parasites associated with a disease or danger. 
• Visualising or watching any dangerous animals with hole-patterned skin can contribute to its causes of fear of holes. 
• Another significant cause can be related to an incident with infectious pathogens.
• You have someone in the family with a similar kind of phobia.

The effect of trypophobia can be severe and involves countless risk factors when one does not treat it under medical supervision. Here are the following possible risk factors that are attached to the fear of holes:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Panic disorder
• Major depressive disorder

Hence, getting treated for this type of phobia is essential before it tampers with daily work and life activities.

If not treated, Tryophobia can lead to mental health complications like:

• Irritability
• High stress
• Depression
• Panic Attacks
• Sleep Issues

The diagnosis of trypophobia involves doctors asking questions to understand the behavioural pattern that generates this fear or disgust. In addition, he or she may assess the symptoms or follow the guideline or criterion as prescribed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). 

Based on the outcome of this evaluation, a doctor or therapist plans a treatment program that will be effective for an individual dealing with the side effects of this fear.

Based on the medical history and response factors of the individuals, the doctors can recommend the following  treatments for trypophobia: 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the preferable treatment programs that help individuals who are dealing with trypophobia. This process supports the individuals in identifying the negative behavioural pattern that brings the feeling of anxiousness and discomfort. Doing these further supports replacing these thoughts and helps better manage or control the responses. 

• Exposure Therapy 

Exposure therapy is one of the popular psychotherapy methods used to handle difficult situations and learn better responses to control feared stimuli. In this step, the therapist exposes a person slowly and for a short duration to the feared object and helps to adopt better management of fear. 

• Medication 

Many a time, depending on the condition of the patient during the ongoing therapy, doctors may prescribe anti-depressant or anti-anxiety drugs. Medicines like chosen serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines or beta-blockers are recommended to offer relaxation from anxiety. 

However, remember, this medication is consumable only under the doctor's guidance and for a short period, as these may have side effects causing other physical harm.

Generally speaking, patients with a fear of holes experience the associated symptoms several times a week or even every day. However, there are also times when the effects stay forever.

People who have trypophobia or any other specific kind of phobia must reach out to a therapist or licensed facility when the symptoms continue to disturb the normal flow of life. If the signs of fear exist for more than six months, then medical supervision and consultation will be required.

Apart from getting professional and medical assistance to deal with the effects of trypophobia, one can engage in different activities that will help individuals deal with this uncontrollable disgust related to the fear of holes: 

• Adopting relaxation techniques like practising breathing exercises, meditation, etc. 
• Indulging in creative activities as distraction techniques.
• Visualising any peaceful and soothing images when you feel the trigger of this fear.

Trypophobia is a type of anxiety or psychological disorder that is treatable with timely guidance and supervision. Also, following the treatment programs and making a few lifestyle changes can help one to free themselves from the adverse effects of this fear of holes.