Ergophobia: Fear of Work & Tasks—Including Homework

Ergophobia (from Greek ergon, work) is a specific phobia characterized by excessive, irrational fear of work or task performance. It can manifest around:

• Employment duties
• Academic assignments (homework, exams)
• Household chores
• Any goal-directed activity perceived as "work"

Features

• Anxiety, panic, avoidance when facing tasks.
• Procrastination, paralysis, somatic symptoms (nausea, tachycardia).
• Insight: person recognizes fear is disproportionate.
• Impairs functioning (academic, occupational, social).

Differential

• Generalized anxiety disorder (broader worry).
• Depression (avolition, fatigue—not fear).
• ADHD (executive dysfunction—difficulty initiating, not fear-based).
• Specific learning disorder (task-specific frustration).

Treatment

• CBT (exposure, cognitive restructuring).
• Graded task assignment.
• SSRIs if comorbid anxiety/depression.
• Accommodations (extended time, reduced load) while treating.

Not a formal DSM-5 diagnosis (falls under Specific Phobia: Other), but clinically recognized. Seek psychologist/psychiatrist for evaluation.