Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Astrophobia?SymptomsIdentifying AstrophobiaCausesTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Astrophobia?
Symptoms
Identifying Astrophobia
Causes
Treatment
Coping
The mysteries of outer space are intriguing for many humans. But, for some people, this intrigue can turn into intense fear. Astrophobia is the severe and often irrational fear of stars and space. It is aspecific type of phobiarelated to a defined object or situation.
The Psychology of Fear
If you have astrophobia, the thought of space, stars, or alien life doesn’t just make you feel uneasy. These thoughts generate persistent fear and anxiety which affects your life. The symptoms of astrophobia are similar to those of other common phobias. When encountering the trigger, you may experience:
Depending on the exact nature of your phobia, you may find yourself unable to watch films about aliens or other societies beyond Earth. You may also be preoccupied with locations such as Roswell, New Mexico, or Area 51 in Nevada.
Obsessions with these places often stem from conspiracy theories about unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and claims of a government cover-up of alien interactions. Maintaining a healthy skepticism about these things is okay, but persistent worry about what it could mean if they were true may be indicative of a phobia.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a phobia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a phobia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Showing an interest in space and related topics doesn’t mean you have astrophobia. But if the interest turns to a life-limiting, you should seek help from a mental health professional.
Astrophobia is not recognized as a distinct condition in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), but can be diagnosed as a specific phobia. In order to meet the criteria for diagnosis, you must experience:
The symptoms must also affect your ability to function normally, be present for at least six months, and not be due to another condition.
Fear vs. Phobia: What’s the Difference?
Related Conditions
A doctor or mental health professional must also rule out other possible conditions that may contribute to your symptoms. These could includepanic disorder,generalized anxiety disorder(GAD), and other specific phobias such asclaustrophobia.
Like other specific phobias, factors such asgenetics, family history and experience can play a part in the development of this fear. Traumatic experiences can also play a part in the development of these fears. Watching frightening films or television shows centered on space can make people fear outer space.
Research suggests phobias may run in families. Having a family member who models anxiety responses can increase the likelihood a person might develop a phobia.
Research Findings on the Genetics of Phobias
Astrophobia is treated the same as any other specific phobia. The focus of treatment will be helping you unlearn your negative beliefs about space. You will be taught coping skills and practice developing a healthier mindset about space to help you avoid panic.
Medications
Medications to treat anxietyare sometimes prescribed for phobias, and they may help in conjunction with other forms of therapy. Antidepressants are a common type of medication your doctor may prescribe to manage your symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, particularly exposure therapy, is usually the first-line treatment for specific phobias. Some helpful therapeutic approaches may include:
In addition to professional treatment, it can be helpful to use practice coping strategies to relieve the stress ofliving with a phobiaon your own. Some techniques include:
Recap
Many people may have underlying fears of being lost in space or being unable to get back home. Some people might find the idea of zero gravity to be scary, not thrilling. While thoughts like these are normal, if these fears begin to keep a person from going about their daily life, or disrupt a person’s ability to eat, sleep or work, it may be indicative of a specific phobia. To get help, contact a mental health professional with experience treating phobias.
2 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Czajkowski N, Kendler KS, Tambs K, Røysamb E, Reichborn-Kjennerud T.The structure of genetic and environmental risk factors for phobias in women.Psychol Med. 2011;41(9):1987-1995. doi:10.1017/S0033291710002436
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