What is Trypophobia and What are its Symptoms?

It is a disorder caused by people’s extreme disgust towards perforated objects or moulds. When we examine it etymologically, we can realize that this word, which was introduced into different languages ​​from Greek, consists of the combination of the expressions “trypa” (drilling or drilling) and “phobia” (fear or reluctance).

Sunflowers and fruit with seeds that we can encounter in nature; It can be said that the extreme reaction to perforated tissues such as shower heads and sponges that we may encounter in daily life is a result of this phobia. This disorder, about which there are still limited studies, was first named in 2005.

“What is trypophobia?” The question is answered in its simplest definition today as a type of anxiety disorder . It is still debatable whether the condition is a phobia that needs to be investigated on its own. Although it is not known exactly what causes this feeling of disgust, there are various approaches developed by experts on the subject.

What is Trypophobia?

Trypophobia is a psychological difficulty caused by the feeling of disgust and reaction to objects with clusters of holes, such as honeycombs and sponges.

It is now a known fact that people with this phobia do not necessarily have to be afraid of those holes. The disgust felt towards the structure of the holes may also indicate that they have this disorder. Sometimes even imagining these images can be triggering for the person.

Another answer to the question of what is trypophobia may be the aversion to irregularly shaped holes. While a person does not react unusually when he sees the holes on a polka dot fabric or a shower head, what disturbs him may be the irregularity of the holes in the object he sees.

People with this sensitivity; It is observed that they avoid consuming those products, and if this image is on a wallpaper, they do not even want to be in an environment with that texture.

How Common Is It?

It is known that the disorder in question was first named in an online web forum in 2005. As for prevalence, some studies have shown that 17% of children and teenagers have some degree of fear of holes. In other words, this rate reveals that one in six people is more susceptible to this disorder. Unfortunately, the research conducted so far is insufficient to understand the nature and treatment of this disorder, whose nature has still not been determined.

The process of public recognition of this phobia, which we do not encounter often in our daily lives and is not so prominent, was realized thanks to the media.

As an interesting fact, one of the things that increases awareness about trypophobia is the design of technological devices. The news about the existence of consumers who react negatively to the small camera lenses in developed smartphones contributed to the increase in the awareness of trypophobia.

In addition, a character with this fear appeared in the horror-drama series “American Horror Story: Cult”, which became a phenomenon all over the world. In this way, the production, which raised awareness about the subject, managed to make people ask the question of what trypophobia is. The series also contained images that triggered fragile viewers in this regard.

Would you be surprised if we told you that another example of triggering images is that one of the biggest actors of the fantasy universe comes from the Marvel universe?

The scar shown in a scene of the movie Black Panther, in which Michael B. Jordan plays the character Killmonger, caused a reaction from trypophobia support groups.

What are the Symptoms of Trypophobia?

It is possible to say that the fear of holes is more common in women than in men. Additionally,  it is observed that individuals with anxiety ,  depression  or obsessive-compulsive disorder are more prone to it. This situation may cause the following symptoms:

• Chill
• Choking feeling or dry mouth
• Rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat
• Intense feeling of disgust or fear
• pale skin
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• Nausea
• Tremors or shaking

Why Does It Happen?

Experts have not yet fully reached a consensus on what the reason for this is. For this reason, different theories are put forward on the subject.

The first theory is based on the possibility that we associate the clusters of holes observed by our brain with the concept of danger. For them, this may be an extension of biological fear. For example, it is unlikely to associate a pattern of small holes with the skin of a poisonous snake or a pair of tarantula eyes.

Analyzing images that produce anxiety in people with trypophobia, researchers found that high-contrast colors in a particular graphic arrangement tend to trigger anxiety, disgust, and other symptoms.

In one study supporting this view, researchers showed participants images of honeycombs and asked them what came to mind. While some of the participants answered the question with honey and bees, they noted that others associated honeycomb with dangerous organisms such as rattlesnakes. The result we get from here will be exactly as we predicted. It was observed that participants who made rattlesnake comparisons were more likely to have trypophobia.

Another example of this theory is that the holes seen may remind of skin disorders and skin shedding. This is associated with evolutionary response by experts.

Another point we can add is the possibility that an unpleasant and sad event has occurred involving the object that feels uncomfortable when seen. Researchers state that this possibility is a noteworthy point that is not very rare. For example, encountering a poisonous creature or experiencing a skin disease may also cause such sensitivity to develop.

Another theory is that anxiety-provoking emotions are triggered because our brain spends more energy and oxygen to perceive perforated structures. In addition, it may be a feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which occurs in many people.

A study conducted in 2016 suggested that this feeling may be linked to social anxiety. An important outcome of the study was that people with social anxiety associate the image they see with a large number of human eyes looking at them, and the possibility that this may cause distress. In a study conducted in 2017, it was discovered that there may be a connection between trypophobia and major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

In addition to all these, it has been observed that people with a family history of fear and anxiety tendencies are more likely to face trypophobia than other individuals.

What are the Triggering Factors?

As mentioned, people’s proximity to objects with clusters of holes and similar qualities may cause them to be triggered. For this reason, it is natural that they tend to avoid being where these objects are located. In some cases, even imagining these images can be triggering for the person. Examples of objects that we may frequently encounter in our daily lives are as follows:

• Crusts or lesions on the skin
• seed breads
• Small stone fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, papaya and kiwi
• Honeycombs, sunflowers and lotus seed pods
• Insects and bees
• Skin of snakes, lizards, frogs and other reptiles
• shoe soles
• Shower head
• sponges
• Animals with mottled skin or fur
• swiss cheese

How is it diagnosed?

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) does not yet consider trypophobia, which has only begun to be studied relatively recently, as a disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It can be said that one reason for this is that it is not generally seen as a situation that is harmful enough to affect the individual’s life. As we mentioned, since this concept is not recognized as a disorder, there are no clear criteria for diagnosis. However, we can talk about the existence of a test being implemented.

This test is for research purposes only and can give you an idea if you are sensitive to perforated objects. While testing, your personal data is not requested and your participation remains anonymous. In this way, you can also ask “What is trypophobia?” and perhaps more importantly, “Do I show these symptoms?” You will find answers to your questions.

In the test, you are presented with a variety of images, each of which will remain on the screen for eight seconds. Some of these images will have clusters of holes, while others will not. While you are viewing the images, the system asks you questions about how long that image remained there and expects you to compare the time with images with and without holes.

As a result of the test, a ratio emerges. If the ratio is higher than two, it is stated that there is a high probability of having this concern.

How to Treat?

It is possible to say that there are many things we can do individually to cure this disorder, known as fear of holes. Some of the methods we can apply individually are:

• It will be good for us to share our feelings and experiences with our family and friends and chat with them.
• Meditation, mindfulness exercises, or soothing visuals can help us avoid negative feelings.
•  Discovering effective solutions for  stress management will help us at this point.
• It is important not to ignore the relationship between our mental health and our physical health. A balanced diet in which we stay away from caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, which can trigger anxiety, and 7-8 hours of rest a day are very important for our health.

However, this phobia may also be in a position that affects your participation in the activities you love or prevents you from enjoying life. In the advanced stages, it can cause depression, sleep problems and panic attacks. It is possible to use Exposure or Cognitive Behavioral therapy to deal with this.

This type of exposure therapy (talk therapy) helps 9 out of 10 people overcome certain phobic situations. This therapy method helps you control your reactions by gradually exposing you to triggers.

The healthcare professional you consulted at the time of exposure;

• It teaches you breathing and relaxation techniques that you can use before and after therapy.
• It helps you manage your reactions while showing you images of clusters of holes.
• It gets you through it by gradually increasing the exposure until you touch something patterned or perforated, like a sponge.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you change your perception and reactions to triggers. The aim here may be to examine unrealistic thoughts, replace them with realistic ideas, and make changes in attitudes.

Today, there is no medicine developed against triphobia. Therefore, prescribed medications cannot directly treat the symptoms of this disorder.

• However, if you anticipate being in a situation that will trigger a reaction,
• If you have an anxiety that prevents you from living your daily life or prevents progress in the therapy process,
• If you have symptoms that do not improve with therapy alone, you can ask your specialist to prescribe a medication to combat the reactions you develop.