Trypophobia: All you need to know about the fear of holes

Trypophobia is a fear of clusters of small holes. People who have this phobia experience fear or disgust when they see clusters of small holes, bumps or patterns. It is a fairly new phobia named in 2005. According to studies, it is found in 17% of adults and children, with at least one in six people having Trypophobia. It also causes a strong repulsion towards objects like honeycombs, sponges and anything that has a cluster of holes.

Trypophobia triggers

Is Trypophobia real? Very much so. It’s derived from the Greek word “trypa” which means punching or drilling holes, and “phobia” which means fear. This phobia is anxiety-inducing and causes discomfort when looking at things like:

• Bread and bagels with seeds

• Lotus seed pods

• Honeycombs

• Sunflowers

• Cheese with holes

• Fruits with small seeds like strawberries and kiwi

• The skin on snakes, lizards, frogs, and other reptiles

• Sponges

• Bubbles

• A cluster of eyes

Causes and symptoms

There are no specific reasons why Trypophobia develops in human beings. This fear of holes is mainly visual. One theory is that it occurs when the brain associates small holes with danger and thinks that these holes are a threat. A person with this phobia may have encountered a fatal incident with a snake and hence is repulsed by its skin due to its appearance as clusters of holes.

In addition, this phobia may be hereditary and may run in the family. It is more likely to develop in women than men. Below are some symptoms of this phobia of holes:

• Heart beating at a rapid rate

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

• Chills down the spine, goosebumps, and sweating

• A feeling of disgust, distress, and terror

• Shaking, a feeling of being choked, and a dry mouth

• Panic attacks

Trypophobia diagnosis

Since it is a rare type of phobia, it can be hard to diagnose. It is predominantly diagnosed by taking a Trypophobia test under which the person is shown a variety of images. Some images can be of clusters of holes and others can be normal. The test estimates how long the individual reacts to each picture. It analyzes to what extent the phobia triggers and disturbs the affected person.

Risk factors

Studies on Trypophobia are still in their early stages of development. Therefore, it is important to note that, in extreme cases, the phobia may lead to risks ranging from depression and irritability to panic attacks and increased stress. People with Trypophobia can also experience sleep problems, alcohol use and substance abuse.

Trypophobia treatment

This fear of clusters of holes can be treated by therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy allows you to challenge and reframe scary thoughts that are damaging your peace and stability.

• Exposure Therapy is an approach where you learn to live with your fears and face them bravely. Exposure therapy is generally used to tackle phobias.

• Medication can be given in extreme cases where the person is experiencing anxiety and depression.

• Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, taking a walk in nature and taking up hobbies can help tackle the fear.

• Going for a massage and taking up physical activities like gymming and dancing may help.

Even though this hasn’t been declared an official phobia, the symptoms are real and can cause a lot of distress in a person’s life. It can lead to major depressive episodes and anxiety attacks. If the symptoms are becoming a real-life hazard, you are advised to reach out to a therapist and find the root cause behind it.