How Do You Spell PATHOPHOBIA?

Pronunciation: [pˌaθəfˈə͡ʊbi͡ə] (IPA)

Pathophobia, pronounced /ˌpeɪθəˈfoʊbiə/, is a term used to describe an irrational or excessive fear of illness. The word is formed from two Greek roots: "pathos" meaning "disease" and "phobia" meaning "fear." The letter "a" in "patho-" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "o" is pronounced like the "o" in "hot." The stress is on the second syllable, "fo." In written form, the word is spelled with a single "t" in the middle, which can be somewhat confusing for those unfamiliar with the term.

PATHOPHOBIA Meaning and Definition

1. Pathophobia is a noun that refers to an excessive and irrational fear or aversion towards disease or becoming ill. The term is derived from the Greek word "pathos" meaning suffering or disease, and "phobos" meaning fear or dread. Pathophobia is classified as a specific phobia, falling under the category of anxiety disorders.

   Individuals with pathophobia experience intense anxiety and distress when they perceive the presence of illness or symptoms associated with disease. This fear can be focused on a specific disease or can be more generalized, encompassing a wide range of illnesses. It is important to note that pathophobia is different from hypochondria, as hypochondriacs excessively worry about having a serious medical condition despite having little or no evidence of illness.

   Symptoms of pathophobia can vary from person to person but may include avoidance behaviors such as staying away from places or individuals perceived as harboring disease, compulsive handwashing or use of hand sanitizers, constantly seeking reassurance from healthcare professionals, or even developing obsessions about cleanliness and hygiene. This fear can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting their daily functioning, relationships, and mental well-being.

   Treatment options for pathophobia typically involve cognitive-behavioral therapies, such as exposure therapy, where individuals gradually confront their fears in a controlled manner, allowing them to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. Additionally, medication may be prescribed in severe cases to alleviate the anxiety symptoms associated with pathophobia.

2. A morbid fear of disease.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PATHOPHOBIA

• patophobia
• oathophobia
• lathophobia
• -athophobia
• 0athophobia
• pzthophobia
• psthophobia
• pwthophobia
• pqthophobia
• parhophobia
• pafhophobia
• paghophobia
• payhophobia
• pa6hophobia
• pa5hophobia
• patgophobia
• patbophobia
• patjophobia
• patuophobia
• patyophobia

Etymology of PATHOPHOBIA

The word "pathophobia" is derived from two Greek roots: "patho" and "phobia".

The root "patho" (πάθος) comes from the Greek word "pathos" meaning suffering, disease, or feeling. It is commonly used as a combining form in medical terms to refer to illness or abnormality. In this context, "patho" is used to indicate a pathological or abnormal condition.

The second element, "phobia", also has Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek word "phobos" (φόβος), which means fear or dread. "Phobia" is a suffix that denotes an irrational or excessive fear of a particular thing or situation.

Combining these two elements, "pathophobia" is the term used to describe an irrational or excessive fear of illness or disease.