Sirenophobia: Fear of Emergency Alert Sounds

Sirenophobia is a specific phobia involving intense, irrational fear of emergency sirens (tornado, air raid, ambulance, fire, Emergency Alert System tones). Triggers include actual sirens, test broadcasts, or even anticipation.

Symptoms: Panic attack (palpitations, sweating, trembling, dyspnea, doom), avoidance (basements, windowless rooms), hypervigilance, sleep disturbance.

Etiology: Traumatic association (disaster, war), sensory hypersensitivity (autism, migraine), evolutionary alarm response, media exposure.

Treatment

• CBT with exposure: Graduated exposure to recorded siren sounds at low volume, increasing intensity/duration.
• Cognitive restructuring: Challenge catastrophic thoughts ("siren = death").
• Relaxation training.
• Medication: SSRIs for comorbid anxiety; PRN beta-blocker/benzodiazepine for unavoidable exposure (e.g., scheduled tests).

Inform work/school for accommodations during drills. Desensitization is highly effective.