A phobia is defined as an irrational fear from any situation or object. Philemaphobia or Philematophobia is also known as fear of kissing. This word came from the Greek word ‘Philema’ which means kissing and ‘phobos’ which is also Greek word ‘fear’.
Most people love kissing. As we know kissing is not only accepted but also a standardized form of greeting someone and expressing love to each other. But some people develop an irrational fear of kissing. Phobia develops not only affects individual life but also affects social relationships or interactions.
What is Philemaphobia?
Philemaphobia is a type of phobia defined as an irrational fear of situations related to kissing. Kissing is a special moment for couples searching for sexual intimacy who want to show feelings of love. Most people are afraid of a first kiss, they experience anxiety due to concern about first meeting their partner’ expectations. Watching kissing scenes on TV or movies could set off a disgusting response.
How Philemaphobia Affects People?
- Due to this fear people can’t explain the reasons for fear experiencing those conditions, he does not find any sense, but problem with him; he can’t avoid those conditions.
- If someone experiences kisses or someone kisses him beyond their control; under these situations he can not manage sensations of fear.
- Someone who is experiencing these fears can lead them to avoid any situations where they find kissing.
Overall, when someone tries to kiss a philemaphobia patient, they respond automatically with fear of sensations and anxiety. So they want to avoid that situation.
Cause of Philemaphobia (Fear of Kissing)
- Many doctors assure that philemaphobia develops from culture or religious relief.
- Second, fear of kissing develops from a bad sexual experience generally when it has been sexually violated.
- People who are suffering from philemaphobia which will avoid kissing when they kiss.
- Fear of kissing develops from a poor body image or low self-love.
- A history with a failed relationship can also lead to philemaphobia.
- Some people who have fear of germs or bacteria, disease, or illness may also find it repulsive to experience disgust or fear.
Signs & Symptoms of Philemaphobia (Fear of Kissing)
Symptoms of philemaphobia may vary from person to person. Depending on your own experience on severity of your fear, but some physical symptoms include:
- Goosebumps
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Breathlessness
- Sweating
In philemaphobia emotional and behavioral symptoms are most common. It can include feelings of anxiety, or panic attack when they are thinking about kissing.
In most cases, people stay away from any situation in case of kissing. For instance, someone can avoid dating and relationships because they have fear from these social connections that require kissing.
Complication of Philemaphobia
If you have philemaphobia, you may avoid relationships that contribute isolation and loneliness from others. People want to have close relationships but avoid connections with others because they are so worried about intimate aspects of relationships like kissing, touching, and sex.
Philemaphobia may also affect people’ personal lives. You may feel some challenging tasks at work or go to school, college or going out socially. If you have fear of being kissed or who will kiss.
Diagnosis of Philemaphobia (Fear of Kissing)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you might be diagnosed with a specific phobia. A phobia is more far than simple fear. To receive specific phobia diagnosis process, patients must undergo the following experiences:
- Excessive fear
- Immediate response on anxiety
- Extremely avoidance
Diagnosis of a specific phobia, these symptoms may affect individual personal life including work, school, school and social relationship. To diagnose philemaphobia immediately find a therapist. Your therapist will ask some questions about your signs and symptoms, nature, duration, and severity. They may also prescribe a lab test and medical exam to rule out any medical conditions which contribute to your symptoms.
Treatment of Philemaphobia
To overcome a fear of kissing someone needs to identify the source of anxiety and depression. If you are afraid of mouth germs or bacteria and becoming sick, you should learn about them to increase their immunity. Following treatments are used for philemaphobia:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
This type of therapy is used to changs in mental processes and human behavior. It is the most successful type of therapy which is used for treatment of fear of kissing. With the help of this, CBT combines cognitive restructure, societal improvement training, problem solving and relaxation techniques and other things. Overall CBT alters negative ideas which cause fearful sensation. In result,this therapy is successful in reducing symptoms of philemaphobia.
Exposure Therapy:
It is a component that can be used in treatment of phobia. This approach progressively involves exposing yourself to that thing you are afraid of.
Medication:
Medicine for anxiety and depression may be beneficial in some circumstances. By consuming these medicines, you can overcome the most severe sensations that you are feeling. If you have a mental illness such as anxiety disorder or depression, these may be effective. Because fear of kissing appears due to lack of experience, and physiological concerns may be helpful to reducing symptoms of philemaphobia.
Summing up
Philemaphobia or fear of kissing is a specific type of phobia which is characterized by an irrational response to kissing situations. People who are experiencing philemaphobia, they may actively avoid any situations where kissing is required. Fear of kissing can vary person to person or not being to a particular age or phase.
Symptoms of philemaphobia include anxiety, panic, avoidance behavior to someone, and difficulty to explain fear. This fear may impact relationships and spoil an individual’s life. It is important to meet or consult a mental health care provider for right diagnosis and to develop treatment options to individual needs.
