What is Ophidiophobia

The word ophidiophobia comes from the Greek word, "ophis" which means the serpents, or snakes, while the term "phobia" meaning to feel fear. While herpetophobia is the fear of reptile, ophidiophobia is its subcategory and is the unnatural and extremely severe fear of snakes specifically. This type of phobia, sometimes affects individuals in such harsh ways that it makes it almost impossible for these people to face their fears on their own. They often need therapy and a lot of love and support so as to help alleviate their fears a bit.

These people need time to recover, because it's a gradual process and may take several years before a phobic may actually muster the strength to come in proximity to a snake. Their fears are basically grounded and often rooted to childhood traumas, wherein the child tends to remember the incident in a far greater detail and magnitude. Children tend to have a deeper attachment to memories of their past and they entire traumatic incident, may trouble them even more, as they grow older.

What is Ophidiophobia
Ophidiophobia, or the paranoid fear of snakes, probably evolves from the fear of death. Most people associate snakes as dangerous, and assume them to be poisonous. Which may in 90% of the times, be accurate, though it is important to realize that not all snakes are deadly, and those that may be venomous may not be waiting to attack you specifically. Most adults who suffer from ophidiophobia, realize this, and are often aware that their fears may be a bit too extreme and baseless, nonetheless they struggle to control their fears. This conflict causes an upheaval of confusion among these people, who often can't handle the symptoms on their own.

These people are always on the look out for snakes, which makes it very difficult for them to go out for adventure camps with friends and family. They check several times before entering rooms, and dark corners. Often, they need to be accompanied, because they are so petrified that may be attacked by a snake. Let us have a look at some of the common symptoms attached to this phobia. Though not all people who fear snakes may be suffering from ophidiophobia, because there are many people who fear all types of reptilian creatures, irrespective of their species. These people suffer from herpetophobia or the fear of reptiles, which can be controlled to a large extent, the reason being that, reptiles such as lizards and geckos are commonly found at homes. this makes people rather familiar to their presence, even though they may, continue to fear them.

Symptoms
The answer to ophidiophobia and its symptoms, are not exact. This is because the symptoms may vary from one individual to another. While some people are afraid of big, venomous snakes, some people fear small snakes as well, which is a rather extreme symptom. Some individuals can't even tolerate watching television or photos, wherein there are, images of snakes being shown. Some of the symptoms of this phobia may be:

• Experiencing Panic attacks
• Feeling extreme fear of being bitten
• Heart palpitations
• Experiencing difficulty in breathing
• Not being able to think clearly and not being able to act promptly
• Fearing death and that no one will be able to save you before it's too late.
• Feeling nauseous and sweating profusely
• Avoiding Zoos, camps, bushy lands and all dark places
• Some rare cases may include experiencing seizure and consequent black outs as a result.

Treatment
One of the most effective and proven techniques of treating ophidiophobia is through Cognitive Behavioral therapy, wherein the sufferer is made to feel comfortable enough, to speak about his/her fears to a therapist, about their past encounters with snakes as well as the dreams they may have had about snakes. Then they are introduced to pictures and photos of snakes and made to realize that it's simply a tangible material and not a real snake. They are made to learn about snakes, and taught how to differentiate between the different types of snakes, and separate the dangerous from the non venomous snakes. They are encouraged to watch documentaries, learn about snakes, that may be domestic to their area and how to identify them, how to protect themselves, etc.

Slowly and gradually they will be exposed to real snakes, they may encourage the patient to hold a non-dangerous snake. Though this is the toughest step of the therapy, and those who pass this test usually overcome their phobia forever. Sometimes hypnosis may be suggested, so as to get to the root of the fear that has been tormenting the sufferer. Not all snakes are deadly and that is why some people keep snakes as pets, because they are useful and usually keep to themselves.

Hopefully, this article answers your question as to what is ophidiophobia. Fortunately, ophidiophobia is a curable phobia, though it's better to start as soon as you realize that you may be suffering from this irrational fear. Do not hesitate, or feel embarrassed about the fact, that you may need help and therapy.