Spectrophobia

Spectrophobia: An abnormal and persistent fear of ghosts. Sufferers of spectrophobia experience undue anxiety even though they realize their fear is irrational. They may fear going into woods, empty houses or dark places and may react with alarm at strange or unexplained noises. No doubt Hollywood has enkindled spectrophobia with such films as Poltergeist, The Haunting and The Blair Witch Project.

"Spectrophobia" is a hybrid word derived from the Latin "spectrum" (appearance, apparition) and the Greek "phobos" (fear). "Spectrum" is also used to form many other English words, including a word with the same spelling, "spectrum" (the series of color bands of light appearing after white light passes through a diffracting device such as a prism); "spectrology" (the scientific study of the spectrum); and "specter" (apparition, ghost).

from : http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12229

Symptoms of Spectrophobia

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Spectrophobia includes the 11 symptoms listed below:

* Irrational fear of mirrors
* Feeling of panic
* Feeling of terror
* Feeling of dread
* Rapid heartbeat
* Shortness of breath
* Nausea
* Dry mouth
* Trembling
* Anxiety
* Extreme avoidance measures taken

More Symptoms of Spectrophobia:

More detailed symptom information may be found on the symptoms of Spectrophobia article. In addition to the above medical information, to get a full picture of the possible signs or symptoms of this condition and also possibly the signs and symptoms of its related medical conditions, it may be necessary to examine symptoms that may be caused by:

* Complications of Spectrophobia
* Hidden causes of Spectrophobia
* Associated conditions for Spectrophobia
* Risk factors for Spectrophobia

taken from http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/s/spectrophobia/symptoms.htm#symptom_list

How Is Spectrophobia Diagnosed?

Typically, a person realizes that their fear is severely interfering with their ability to function. When this happens, spectrophobia is self diagnosed.

Other times, a person may seek advice from their doctor. The doctor may immediately diagnosis spectrophobia, but will more likely refer the person to a mental health professional for further evaluation and assessment. It's important to note that prior to any referral, the doctor should attempt to eliminate any possible physical reasons for the phobia.

taken from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1156498/what_is_spectrophobia.html?cat=72