Aquaphobia is a type of specific phobia that is an irrational fear of something that does not pose much danger. A person with aquaphobia has extreme fear or anxiety when thinking about or seeing water. They may avoid places near water, such as swimming pools or lakes. In severe cases, sufferers may stop bathing or using water from the sink to clean themselves.
Aquaphobia is often mistaken for another phobia called hydrophobia. Although both are afraid of water, aquaphobia and hydrophobia are not the same. Because, hydrophobia is not actually caused by trauma to water, but is a symptom of rabies infection.
Symptoms of Aquaphobia
The symptoms of aquaphobia vary greatly from person to person. For example, some people with this phobia may be afraid of deep water or strong tides. Others may experience intense anxiety just thinking about water. Regardless of the type or amount of water, people with aquaphobia experience anxiety in response to the water.
Some of the symptoms of aquaphobia include:
- Feelings of fear, anxiety, or panic when thinking about water
- Excessive or irrational fear and aversion to water
- Fear and anxiety in the presence of water that significantly affect a person’s ability to socialize or function.
- Continuous avoidance of water.
A person with aquaphobia tends to experience anxiety, fear, or panic when exposed to water. Physical effects of aquaphobia include:
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Sweating.
- Chills.
- Shallow breathing.
- Tightness or pain in the chest or throat.
- Trembling when exposed to water.
- Dry mouth.
- Dizziness and nausea.
- Confusion or disorientation.
Meanwhile, children with specific phobias such as aquaphobia may express anxiety or fear by:
- Crying and having tantrums.
- Refusing to speak or move.
- Physically attached to a parent or a particular object.
People who have specific phobias often have at least one additional mental health condition, including:
- Different types of anxiety disorders.
- Depression.
- Bipolar disorder.
- Impulse control disorder.
Causes and Risk Factors of Aquaphobia
The causes of specific phobias such as aquaphobia are not well understood. However, there is some evidence that phobias can be genetic. If you have a family member with a mental health condition, such as anxiety or another phobia, you may be at risk of developing a phobia.
However, aquaphobia is often caused by a traumatic event during childhood, such as a near drowning. It can also be the result of a series of negative experiences. This usually occurs in childhood and is not as severe as a traumatic experience.
On the other hand, experts also claim that changes in brain function also play a role in developing specific phobias.
Meanwhile, another theory proposes that phobias are learned associations. For example, a person may develop a particular phobia after observing a phobic reaction in another person. Such as a parent, sibling, or friend. The person may internalize the other person’s fearful reaction and adopt the same aversion to the object or situation.
Diagnosis of Aquaphobia
To diagnose aquaphobia, doctors or psychologists use the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, currently, the DSM-5 does not have a specific diagnosis or category for aquaphobia. Instead, the use of this manual aims to identify the fear of water under the diagnosis of specific phobias or specific mental conditions.
If you suspect you have aquaphobia, see your doctor right away. Your doctor can refer you to a mental health specialist who can diagnose and treat the phobia.
Based on the criteria from the DSM-5, a mental health specialist will most likely diagnose aquaphobia (or a specific phobia). This diagnosis can be given if you have experienced symptoms of aquaphobia for at least six months. Part of the diagnosis also includes ruling out other mental health conditions, such as:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- PTSD or Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Panic disorder.
Aquaphobia Treatment
Considering that aquaphobia is a specific phobia, there are two forms of psychotherapy that can be used as the main treatment, namely:
1. Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy can help change a person’s fear response. The procedure involves exposing the phobic to the object or situation that triggers the phobic response repeatedly and gradually.
In the procedure, a mental health professional will conduct exposure therapy in a safe and controlled environment. During each session, they will also record and analyze the individual’s reactions, thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is another important element in treating specific phobias. In the procedure, the health professional will address the thought and behavior patterns that occur during the phobic response. During CBT, the psychologist will help the person with specific phobia understand which thoughts and behavior patterns contribute to the phobia. They work with their patients to change these patterns in order to overcome the phobia.
CBT can also involve learning relaxation techniques and coping mechanisms to manage anxiety, fear, and panic. This can help teach people how to respond appropriately during exposure therapy.
In addition, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications may also be prescribed to help reduce the symptoms of aquaphobia. Doctors usually prescribe these medications in combination with CBT.
Complications of Aquaphobia
All phobias can hinder the sufferer’s productivity and daily activities. In severe Aquaphobia, this condition can affect the sufferer’s quality of life. This is because the sufferer of this phobia may not want to take a shower or bathe. This can ultimately affect the sufferer’s cleanliness and self-confidence. In addition, the risk of a number of diseases can also increase if the sufferer of this phobia does not maintain personal hygiene.
Some people with aquaphobia may experience panic attacks. These attacks can cause:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- Feeling the impending doom.
- Nauseous.
- Noncardiac chest pain.
- Racing heartbeat.
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Sweating.
Aquaphobia Prevention
Most specific phobias cannot be prevented. However, it is important for people with phobias to seek intervention and treatment early after a traumatic experience. This can prevent people with specific phobias from developing more severe anxiety disorders due to their phobias.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience several symptoms of aquaphobia for almost six months, immediately check your condition with a psychologist or psychiatrist.