Suriphobia (Fear of Earwigs): Not a Recognized Phobia

Suriphobia (from Latin surire, earwig) is not listed in DSM-5-TR, ICD-11, or major phobia nomenclatures. No peer-reviewed literature documents it as a distinct clinical entity.

Context

• The term appears in internet lists of "weird phobias" but lacks diagnostic criteria, prevalence data, or treatment studies.
• Fear of insects (entomophobia) is recognized; specific insect phobias (e.g., arachnophobia, apiphobia) have case reports.
• Earwigs (order Dermaptera) are harmless—no venom, no disease transmission, pincers used for mating/defense only.

If a Patient Reports This Fear

• Assess for specific phobia (entomophobia) using DSM-5 criteria: marked fear, immediate anxiety, avoidance, disproportionate to danger, ≥6 months, functional impairment.
• Treat per specific phobia guidelines: exposure therapy (gradual, in vivo), cognitive restructuring, ± brief beta-blocker/benzo for situational exposure.
• Psychoeducation: earwigs are beneficial (decomposers, pest predators).

"Suriphobia" is a neologism, not a diagnosis. Clinically, it falls under specific phobia (animal type) if criteria are met.