Thanatophobia, also known as fear of death, is a common anxiety disorder that causes individuals to experience irrational fear and dread when thinking about death. It is estimated that up to 48% of adults have some form of thanatophobia, and it is particularly common among adolescents and young adults (Lieberman, 2015). The exact cause of thanatophobia is not known, but researchers believe it is a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors (Salvatore et al., 2017).
Symptoms of thanatophobia vary from person to person, but typically include feelings of intense fear, anxiety, and panic when confronted with thoughts of death or mortality. Other symptoms may include avoidance of conversations or activities related to death, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating (Lieberman, 2015).
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to those suffering from thanatophobia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that is commonly used to help individuals learn to manage their fear of death. CBT works by identifying and challenging negative thoughts associated with death, and helping individuals to replace them with more realistic and positive thoughts (Couceiro et al., 2020). Additionally, some people find relief with lifestyle changes such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and eating a healthy diet (Lieberman, 2015).
In conclusion, thanatophobia is a common anxiety disorder that causes some individuals to experience intense fear and dread when confronted with thoughts of death or mortality. Although the exact cause is unknown, research suggests a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes.
References
Couceiro, S., Rego, A., & Maroco, J. (2020). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1-11.
Lieberman, D. (2015). Thanatophobia: What is the fear of death? Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-antidote/201508/thanatophobia-what-is-the-fear-death
Salvatore, J.E., Rhea, C.A., & Williams, R.A. (2017). Thanatophobia: Fear of death. In C.A. Rhea & R.A. Williams (Eds.), Encyclopedia of anxiety disorders (pp. 672-676). New York, NY: Springer.