Is there such a thing as having a phobia of the dark?

Question

If your answer is yes, could you tell me if there is a name for it? Yeah, I know there's photophobia, which is normally excessive sensitivity to light due to having an eye problem or disease, but it can also be an irrational fear of light.

Answer 1

Known by a number of names - Achluophobia, Lygophobia, Myctophobia, Nyctophobia, Scotophobia, Fear of the Dark, and Fear of Darkness being the most common - the problem often significantly impacts the quality of life. It can cause panic attacks and keep people apart from loved ones and business associates. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and overall feelings of dread, although everyone experiences fear of dark in their own way and may have different symptoms. .

Answer 2

Yes it is a recognized phobia. As one person already mentioned there are several terms for it but the primary medical term is Achluphobia.

There are board certified doctors and physiologists that treat this phobia. Also,they may use some or perhaps all of the various types of medications...

- anti-depressants ... like Zoloft, Paxil or Buspar
- anti-anxiety meds ... like Xanax, Valium & Antivan
- beta blockers ... any type of propranolol

Answer 3

There's pretty much a name for a fear of every noun in the English dictionary. The name for being afraid of the dark is Achluophobia.

Answer 4

Fear of the Dark - Iron Maiden

Answer 5

yes there is. go to www.phobialist.com can't remember whut its exactly called, but u'll be surprised at how many things ppl r scared of.
hey if u get a chance look for the fear of the number 666.
its like the longest phobia name ever.

Answer 6

yes there is a fear of darkness, not for sure if it is the darkness or what one might find in the darkness

Answer 7

i am afraid of the dark... i sleep with a nightlight on til my husband comes to bed... i feel safe with him...like he will kill any intruder(s)......