PEDICULOPHOBIA Meaning and
Definition
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Pediculophobia is a noun that refers to an intense and irrational fear or phobia of lice or infestations caused by these parasitic insects. The term is derived from the combination of two Greek words; "pediculus" meaning lice and "phobos" meaning fear.
Individuals who suffer from pediculophobia experience extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and distress even at the mere thought or mention of lice. This fear often revolves around the fear of contamination, particularly of having lice infestations on their own bodies or in their surroundings. Described as an irrational fear, pediculophobia can significantly impact an individual's daily life, causing them to avoid situations and places that might expose them to lice, such as schools, playgrounds, and public transportation.
Symptoms of pediculophobia may include an overwhelming sense of dread, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, nausea, and feelings of impending doom. These symptoms can often be triggered by encountering a lice-related situation, such as seeing someone scratching their head or observing pictures of lice.
People with pediculophobia may engage in excessive or compulsive behaviors to prevent lice infestations, such as frequent hair washing, checking their scalp obsessively for lice, or avoiding close physical contact with others. In severe cases, individuals may isolate themselves socially, leading to further negative emotional and psychological impacts.
Treatment for pediculophobia typically involves psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to address the underlying fears and thoughts associated with lice infestations. Therapists may utilize relaxation techniques, gradual exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring to help individuals manage and overcome their fears, allowing them to lead a more fulfilling
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PEDICULOPHOBIA
- oediculophobia
- lediculophobia
- -ediculophobia
- 0ediculophobia
- pwdiculophobia
- psdiculophobia
- pddiculophobia
- prdiculophobia
- p4diculophobia
- p3diculophobia
- pesiculophobia
- pexiculophobia
- peciculophobia
- peficulophobia
- periculophobia
- peeiculophobia
- peduculophobia
- pedjculophobia
- pedkculophobia
- pedoculophobia
Etymology of PEDICULOPHOBIA
The word "pediculophobia" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "pediculus" and "phobos".
Firstly, "pediculus" comes from the Greek word "pedíkýlos" (πεδίκύλος), meaning "louse" or "nit". This root refers to tiny insects that infest humans and animals, living on their bodies and feeding on blood.
Secondly, the suffix "-phobia" is derived from the Greek word "phobos" (φόβος), meaning "fear" or "dread". This suffix is commonly used in English to indicate an extreme or irrational fear or aversion towards something.
