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Myrmecophobia: Fear of Ants — Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Definition
Myrmecophobia — specific phobia of ants. Intense, disproportionate fear triggering avoidance and panic.
Symptoms
- Immediate anxiety/panic on seeing/anticipating ants
- Avoidance: outdoors, picnics, kitchens, nature
- Somatic: tachycardia, sweating, trembling, dyspnea, nausea
- Functional impairment
Related Entomophobias
- Apiphobia (bees)
- Arachnophobia (spiders)
- Entomophobia (insects generally)
- Katsaridaphobia (cockroaches)
Treatment (High Success Rate)
- CBT with graded exposure: Photos → videos → live observation → controlled contact
- Systematic desensitization (relaxation + hierarchy)
- Virtual reality exposure (emerging)
- SSRIs if comorbid anxiety
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