Ereuthophobia: Description, Causes and Risk Factors:
To blush, or become red in the face, is a common occurrence that happens to nearly everyone. Sure, it is an uncomfortable feeling that is often associated with an embarrassing moment, but for some people, it is more than just an uncomfortable feeling. Some people have an actual fear, or phobia, of blushing and it is called ereuthophobia. Those that suffer from this phobia are not afraid of the actual act of blushing, they are afraid of all the thoughts, feelings and emotions that are associated with it.
The feelings of embarrassment associated with blushing and the inability to control when and how much you blush are the basis of ereuthophobia. A person who cannot control their blushing is in fear of what others think of them. Ereuthophobia can also be associated with excessive sweating. So, ereuthophobia combined with excessive sweating can cause a person with ereuthophobia to avoid social situations at all costs. Also, the anxiety caused by ereuthophobia can manifest itself into actual physical symptoms.
The cause of ereuthophobia is fairly unknown and since every individual is different, the cause varies for each person. Some experts attribute uncontrollable blushing to a failure on some basic level of the sympathetic nervous system. Ereuthophobia can also be the result of low self-esteem or social anxiety. For example, people with low self-esteem are more easily embarrassed; therefore they are more likely to blush more often.
Ereuthophobia can have many negative effects on a person’s life. It can cause great stress and anxiety and can cause a person to avoid social situations all together, leading to social isolation.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may include:
Nausea.
- Dry mouth.
- Increased perspiration.
- Dizziness.
- Difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis:
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
Does the ereuthophobiaaffect the whole body or just the face?
- Do you have hot flashes?
- Are episodes getting worse or more frequent?
- Is it worse after you drink alcohol?
What other symptoms do you have? For example, do you have diarrhea, wheezing, hives, or difficulty breathing?
Treatment:
A number of treatments are available for problems with ereuthophobia. If your ereuthophobia is accompanied by other physical symptoms or appears in conjunction with a medical problem, a medical cause is likely and a medical doctor can recommend the best course of treatment. When ereuthophobia is a symptom of SAD, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) directed at the underlying anxiety that maintains ereuthophobia is a good treatment option. Through CBT you will learn how to think, act and feel differently which in turn will have a positive impact on your problems with ereuthophobia. A complementary treatment option is medication to treat SAD.
Above all else, remember that ereuthophobia can become a vicious cycle. If you choose not to make a big deal about your ereuthophobia, you will probably blush much less than when you actively tried to prevent it from happening.
Treatment of ereuthophobia may include medications available that can help fight this phobia. It is important to seek therapy. Therapy can help a person get over the mental fears associated with blushing. The most common type of therapy used to treat ereuthophobia is behavioral therapy.
Ereuthophobia can be debilitating and can cause great stress and anxiety in a person’s life, which is why it’s important to seek professional help. Realizing that you suffer from this phobia is the first step to recovery. A professional psychologist or psychiatrist can help you better understand yourself, overcome you fears, conquer the phobia and help you start living again.
NOTE: The above information is for processing purpose. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
DISCLAIMER: This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.