SKATZOCHOIROPHOBIA (FEAR OF HEDGEHOGS) IS A RARE FORM OF A SPECIFIC PHOBIA. A CASE REPORT

Specific phobic anxiety disorder is characterized by severe and excessive fear that occurs constantly when exposed to one or more specific objects or situations. The fear is out of proportion to the threat, causing significant distress and impairment for the person.

A thorough history was taken; a mental state examination, and physical and systematic examinations were conducted. Investigations were conducted following the biopsychosocial approach, and finally, ICD 10 was used to make the diagnosis. Treatment was also approached biopsychosocially.

We report a case of an adult lady who has been persistently displaying features of anxiety disorders since early childhood, specific to hedgehogs. She was diagnosed with a rare specific phobia anxiety disorder called Skatzochoirophobia and was successfully treated with systematic desensitization. Despite an extensive search, we were unable to retrieve a case of skatzochoirophobia, which makes it worthy of reporting as hedgehogs are small mammals commonly found in our environment, which in some areas are sources of protein.

This case report may help in creating awareness and helping clinicians be on the lookout for skatzochoirophobia, which may help in early detection and prompt treatment.