Nyctophobia is an extreme fear of the dark. Van Houtem CMHH, et al. Treatment. 6 What does it mean to have a fear of words? The intense and irrelevant fear of darkness leads many people to avoid any night routine or dark places completely. What is the difference between Nyctophobia and Achluophobia? 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). Its a specific phobia under the larger umbrella of anxiety disorders, according to the DSM-5. 1 What is the difference between Nyctophobia and Achluophobia? 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. Many, many years ago, when our ancestors lived and slept out in the open, the dark was very dangerous. When fear of the dark reaches a degree that is severe enough to be considered pathological, it is sometimes called achluophobia. They may have anxiety in dark places, and they may have trouble sleeping in a darkened room. Nyctophobia | Psychology Wiki | Fandom Intense emotions, crying and screaming in the dark. Agraphobia is an extreme and irrational fear of sexual abuse. What is the difference between Nyctophobia and achluophobia? You should call your provider if youre having panic attacks or if youre avoiding situations that involve being in the dark. It can be debilitating for some people, making everyday activities difficult. Autophobia, or monophobia, is the fear of being alone or lonely. fear of losing control. If you have a specific phobia disorder, you may go to great lengths to avoid the object or situation that upsets you. The origin of the word Lygo is Greek (meaning shadow, shadowy, shade, darkness, twilight or gloomy) and phobia is Greek (meaning fear). There various factors which can contribute to develop phobia. You may also need medications to treat depression or control panic attacks. For those with achluophobia, simply stepping into a dark room can cause intense fear and anxiety. Other people may have had a bad experience in the dark, such as being attacked or assaulted. It is one of the most common phobias. Many people find themselves suffering with fear or phobia of one form or another. People with autophobia feel they need another person or other people around in order to feel safe. Nyctophobia, fear of darkness, is an often unspoken disease. The American Psychiatric Association doesnt officially recognize this phobia. .infinite-scroll .woocommerce-pagination { Some call it nyctophobia, but achluophobia, scotophobia and lygophobia are all commonly used. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. var related_posts_js_options = {"post_heading":"h4"}; Verywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. They also help with other anxiety disorders. Either due to embarrassment or that just talking about the dark is upsetting to them.