Keraunoneurosis is a complex word with an impressive amount of letters, combining Greek and Latin roots. IPA transcription of this word is /kɛrɔːnəʊnʊrəʊsɪs/. The first part 'kerauno' means thunderbolt, while 'neuro' is related to brain and 'sis' is a suffix for condition. All the syllables are pronounced with the stress placed on the first syllable: kɛr-ɔː -nəʊ -nʊ-rəʊ- sɪs. The correct spelling of such polysyllabic words can be tricky, but relevant for scientific and medical purposes.
Keraunoneurosis is a relatively uncommon term used in the field of psychology and neurology to describe a psychophysiological disorder characterized by an extreme fear or phobia of thunder and lightning. It is derived from the Greek words "keraunos," which means thunderbolt, and "neurosis," which refers to a mental or emotional disorder.
Individuals with keraunoneurosis experience an irrational and intense anxiety response when exposed to thunderstorms or any occurrence of lightning. This fear may be accompanied by a range of physical and psychological symptoms, including increased heart rate, trembling, sweating, panic attacks, irrational thoughts, and an overwhelming urge to seek shelter or stay indoors during a storm.
The causes of keraunoneurosis are not fully understood but may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Traumatic experiences related to thunderstorms, such as being struck by lightning or witnessing a severe storm, can also contribute to the development of this condition.
Treatment for keraunoneurosis often involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. CBT helps individuals develop coping mechanisms and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs related to thunder and lightning. Exposure therapy gradually exposes the person to controlled levels of thunder and lightning to reduce their fear response over time. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms.
Overall, keraunoneurosis is an anxiety disorder that can significantly impact a person’s daily life by causing distress and interfering with activities during thunderstorms.
A neurosis excited by a stroke of lightning or resulting from fright caused by a thunder storm.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "keraunoneurosis" is a compound word derived from three Greek roots: "keraunos" (κεραυνός), "neuron" (νεῦρον), and "osis" (ώσις).
1. "Keraunos" (κεραυνός) means "thunderbolt" or "lightning" in Greek.
2. "Neuron" (νεῦρον) means "nerve" in Greek.
3. "Osis" (ώσις) is a suffix used to denote "a condition or process".
When combined, "keraunoneurosis" refers to a condition or psychological disorder associated with the fear of thunder and lightning.