Achluophobia is the fear of darkness. The origin of the word Achluo is Greek (meaning to darken) and phobia is Greek (meaning fear). Achluophobia is considered to be a specific phobia, which is discussed on the home page. Achluophobia is also related to Lygophobia (fear of being in dark places), Myctophobia (fear of darkness), Nyctophobia (fear of the dark or night) and Scotophobia (fear of darkness).
What are the causes?
It is generally accepted that phobias arise from a combination of external events (i.e. traumatic events) and internal predispositions (i.e. heredity or genetics). Many specific phobias can be traced back to a specific triggering event, usually a traumatic experience at an early age. Social phobias and agoraphobia have more complex causes that are not entirely known at this time. It is believed that heredity, genetics, and brain chemistry combine with life-experiences to play a major role in the development of phobias. (Wikipedia – phobia).
What are the symptoms?
As with any phobia, the symptoms vary by person depending on their level of fear. The symptoms typically include extreme anxiety, dread and anything associated with panic such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, excessive sweating, nausea, dry mouth, nausea, inability to articulate words or sentences, dry mouth and shaking.
