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Is trypophobia real?

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  • 1Centre for Brain Science, University of Essex, UK.

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|February 16, 2024
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Trypophobia, an anxiety triggered by small holes, is a genuine phobia despite skepticism. It meets diagnostic criteria and existed before the internet, debunking the meme hypothesis.

Keywords:
Anxiety or fear-related disordersaetiologycognitive neurosciencephobiastrypophobia

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Mental Health

Background:

  • Trypophobia affects 10-18% of adults, causing anxiety when viewing clusters of small holes.
  • Skepticism exists regarding trypophobia's validity, with claims it's not a recognized phobia or merely an internet meme.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To argue against the dismissal of trypophobia as a legitimate phobia.
  • To address criticisms regarding its classification and origins.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of existing literature and diagnostic criteria for phobias.
  • Consideration of personal testimonials and historical context.

Main Results:

  • The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) does not list phobias but provides classification criteria.
  • Trypophobia meets these criteria for phobia classification.
  • The phenomenon predates the internet, refuting the meme hypothesis.

Conclusions:

  • Trypophobia is a valid phobia, supported by diagnostic criteria and historical evidence.
  • Criticisms suggesting it's not a recognized disorder or just an internet meme are misplaced.