Understanding Phobophobia: The Fear of Fear

Anxiety can take many forms, from the sharp intensity of a panic attack to the quiet dread of a specific phobia. But what happens when the fear itself becomes the focus of anxiety? This condition, known as phobophobia or the "fear of fear," is a unique and debilitating form of anxiety disorder that creates a vicious cycle of distress and avoidance.

Update Date 

February 17th, 2025

Medically Reviewed by 

Dialis Burke Wheeler, MS, PhD(c)
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What Is Phobophobia?

Phobophobia is the fear of experiencing fear. It’s not just a poetic phrase—it’s a real and recognized psychological phenomenon. While it isn’t a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, it frequently shows up in individuals with panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Unlike typical phobias, which revolve around external triggers, phobophobia is inward-facing. The individual fears the sensations of anxiety themselves—heart racing, shortness of breath, spiraling thoughts—and begins to dread the possibility of panic.

Ironically, this anticipatory anxiety can create the very symptoms the person fears, trapping them in a cycle of avoidance, hypervigilance, and emotional exhaustion.

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The Vicious Cycle of Anxiety

At the heart of phobophobia is the vicious cycle of anxiety:
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Breaking the Cycle

Treating phobophobia requires addressing both the immediate symptoms of anxiety and the underlying fears fueling it. Fortunately, there are effective methods for interrupting this cycle and reclaiming control over your life.

Treatments and Techniques
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Is anxiety holding you back from the life you deserve?

A Holistic Approach: The Anxiety Checklist Masterclass

For those ready to take the first step, we created the Anxiety Masterclass—an educational experience designed by mental health professionals and educators.

This program offers:

This program was co-developed by mental health professionals with graduate-level training in mental health counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and clinical hypnosis.

Note: This class is not a form of therapy and is not a substitute for treatment by a licensed mental health provider. Always consult a qualified professional before beginning any new intervention or mental health program.

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Why Early Intervention Matters

If left untreated, phobophobia can significantly limit your life, as avoidance behaviors grow and anxiety becomes more pervasive. The good news is that the cycle can be broken with the right tools and support. Early intervention prevents phobophobia from escalating into more severe forms of anxiety and ensures a faster path to recovery.

Connecting the Dots

Phobophobia often overlaps with other forms of anxiety and stress. If you're just getting started on your journey to understanding anxiety, explore our articles on anxiety disorders and panic attack statistics in the Getting Started section.

For practical stress reduction strategies, visit our Stress Reduction category, where we delve into breathing exercises, NLP, and other transformative techniques. And if you experience other specific fears like driving anxiety, our Common Phobia section offers targeted advice to regain your confidence.

Take the First Step Today

Phobophobia can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Join the thousands of people who have transformed their lives through the Anxiety Masterclass. With the right knowledge and tools, you can regain control and live free from the fear of fear.

Explore more resources and start your journey to fearless living at Anxiety University.

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