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0:00 Introduction
0:33 What causes Autophobia
1:14 Symptoms of Autophobia
2:23 Diagnosis of Autophobia
2:52 Treatment of Autophobia



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Signs and symptoms

Background

Diagnosis

Definitions
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Autophobia

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For an irrational dislike of oneself, see Self-hatred.
"Monophobia" redirects here. For the Deadmau5 song, see Monophobia (song).

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Autophobia
Specialty Psychology

Autophobia, also called monophobia, isolophobia, or eremophobia, is the specific phobia of isolation; a morbid fear of being egotistical, or a dread of being alone or isolated.[1] Those with the condition need not be physically alone, but just to believe that they are ignored or unloved. Contrary to what would be inferred by a literal reading of the term, autophobia does not describe a "fear of oneself"[2] nor is it the fear of automobiles (despite various cultures abbreviating automobile to "auto"). It typically develops from and is associated with other anxiety disorders.[3]

Autophobia can be associated with or accompanied by other phobias, such as agoraphobia, and is generally considered part of the agoraphobic cluster, meaning that it has many of the same characteristics as certain anxiety disorders and hyperventilation disorders. The main concern of people with phobias in the agoraphobic cluster is their ability to get help in case of emergency. This often makes them afraid of going out in public, being caught in crowds, being alone, or being stranded.[4]

Autophobia is not to be confused with agoraphobia (fear of being in public or being caught in crowds), self-hatred, or social anxiety, although it can be closely related to them. It is a distinct phobia that tends to be accompanied by other anxiety disorders and phobias.
Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of autophobia vary by case. However, there are some symptoms that a multitude of people with this disease have. An intense amount of apprehension and anxiety when you are alone or think about situations where you would be secluded is one of the most common indications that a person is autophobic. People with this disorder also commonly believe that there is an impending disaster waiting to occur whenever they are left alone.[5] For this reason, autophobes go to extreme lengths to avoid being in isolation. However, people with this disease often do not need to be in physical isolation to feel abandoned. Autophobes will often be in a crowded area or group of people and feel as though they are completely secluded.[6]

There has also been some connection to autophobia being diagnosed in people who also have borderline personality disorders.[7]

Below is a list of other symptoms that are sometimes associated with autophobia:

Mental symptoms:
Fear of fainting
A disability to concentrate on anything other than the disease
Fear of losing your mind[8]
Failure to think clearly[5]
Emotional symptoms:
Stress over up-coming times and places where you may be alone
Fear of being secluded[9]
Physical symptoms:
Lightheadedness, dizziness
Sweating
Shaking
Nausea
Cold and hot flashes
Numbness or tingling feelings[8]
Dry mouth
Increased heart rate[5]
Not moving when isolated
shaking hands and legs

Background

Autophobia can be derived from social anxiety. When people with this phobia are left alone, they will often experience panic attacks, which is a common reaction in those with social anxiety. This disease can also stem from depression because when people become seriously autophobic, they start to find certain tasks and activities almost impossible to complete. This usually occurs when autophobes are faced with a possibility of going into a public place where there are many people or simply a place that is uncomfortable or unfamiliar to them. This phobia can also be closely related to agoraphobia, which leads to lowered self-confidence and uncertainty of their ability to finish certain activities that need to be done alone. People with this phobia tend to imagine the worst possible scenario. For example, they might have a panic attack and then think that they are going to die from this event.[10]