Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsDiagnosisCauses and Risk FactorsTreatmentCoping

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Definition

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Causes and Risk Factors

Treatment

Coping

What Is Astraphobia?

Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning. Storms are natural phenomena that inspire strong emotions in both humans and animals, including fear. At times, this fear may represent astraphobia. It tends to be more common in children and adolescents, but it is also not uncommon for adults to have this fear.

Astraphobia is a fear of something in our natural environment, similar to afear of open bodies of water,fear of heights,fear of trees, andfear of the dark.

Astraphobia is a specific phobia and falls under the diagnostic category of anxiety disorder in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5-TR).Specific phobias involve an extreme and irrational fear of a particular object or situation and are one of the most common types of mental disorders.

The DSM-5-TR estimates that 8-12% of adults in the U.S. experience a specific phobia each year. Often these specific phobias start in childhood, and 3 to 9% of children and up to 16% of adolescents experience irrational fears of various objects or situations.

List of Common and Unusual Phobias

Astraphobia can cause some symptoms that are similar to those of other phobias and some that are unique. Common signs that may occur during a thunderstorm or even just before one begins include:

People with this phobia may seek constant reassurance during the storm. Symptoms are often heightened when people are alone.

What Are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks?

Many people with astraphobia seek shelter beyond normal protection from the storm. For example, they may hide under the covers or even under the bed. They may go to the basement, an inside room (such as a bathroom), or even a closet. They may close the curtains and attempt to block out the sounds of the storm.

Another fairly common symptom is an obsession with weather forecasts. People with astraphobia may find themselves glued to the Weather Channel during the rainy season or spend a great deal of time tracking storms online

Complications

Astraphobia can cause significant distress and make it difficult to function in daily life. Sometimes people develop an inability to go about activities outside their home without first checking the weather reports. In extreme cases, astraphobia can eventually lead to people being afraid to leave their homes.

Without appropriate treatment, the fear of lightning and thunderstorms can contribute to mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. It can also have a negative effect on health and relationships and may lead to social isolation or cause people to misuse substances to cope with their extreme fear.

Types of Phobias

Todiagnose this fear as a specific phobia, a healthcare provider will assess the individual’s symptoms. They may ask questions about symptoms and perform a physical exam or lab tests to rule out underlying medical conditions.

If the individual has been experiencing symptoms for six months, they may be diagnosed with a specific phobia if the symptoms meet certain criteria. Specific phobias cause an immediate fear response that is excessive and unreasonable. These symptoms make it difficult for a person to function normally in their daily life.

Recap

The exact causes of astraphobia are not entirely clear. Like other types of phobias, factors such as genetics, family history, and experiences probably contribute to people developing this phobia.

For example, people are more likely to develop a phobia such as astraphobia if they have a family member with a phobia orother anxiety condition.Having an immediate family member who specifically fears lightning or thunder also increases the risk of having the condition.

In some cases, a traumatic experience involving a frightening storm or related experience can also lead to this condition through classical conditioning. Experiencing a weather-related natural disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, might trigger the onset of this phobia.

Children who haveautismor sensory processing disorders are more likely to develop a fear of thunder or lightning because the unexpected loud cracks and pops, deep rumbling noises, and the ultra-bright flash of lightning, can be overstimulating and upsetting.

However, in many cases, the exact cause of the phobia is not known.

RecapA variety of factors can influence whether a person experiences astraphobia. For example, genetics, family history, and experiences often have an impact.

A variety of factors can influence whether a person experiences astraphobia. For example, genetics, family history, and experiences often have an impact.

Specific phobias such as astraphobia respond well to treatment. Not seeking help can lead to detrimental outcomes, including problems with relationships, mood problems, and substance use problems.

For help with a specific phobia, you can reach out to Phobics Anonymous at (760) 322-COPE

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is considered the first-line approach to treating specific phobias.Various strategies may be involved, but people are often taught soothing messages to repeat during storms. They also learn to identify catastrophic thinking patterns and replace negative self-talk with more helpful, positive self-talk. Visualization exercises can also help people learn to calm their fears.

Exposure Therapy

A CBT technique known as exposure therapy can also be beneficial when treating astraphobia.Various exposure strategies may be used; all centered on gradually exposing people to what they fear. This often involves starting very small, such as learning about cloud formations and looking at pictures of rain, and then working up to more fear-inducing situations, such as listening to a recording of a thunderstorm, or even using virtual reality headsets for simulated thunderstorms. With continued exposure, feelings of fear gradually lessen.

Medications

Sometimes, medications are prescribed to help people cope with acute symptoms of fear.Benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and other anti-anxiety drugs may help people cope with feelings of anxiety. These medications are most often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

How to Overcome Any Phobia

Coping With Astraphobia

Astraphobia in Children

Fear during thunderstorms is extremely common in children. In many cases, these fears are not necessarily signs of a phobia but could progress into one. To soothe a child’s fear of thunder and lightning, you can:

Of course, if the fear is severe and inconsolable, or if it lasts longer than six months, it is important to seek treatment. Over time, a child’s fear of storms could become a full-blown, difficult-to-treat phobia in adulthood.

A Word From Verywell

While a specific phobia like astraphobia can be distressing and disabling, the good news is that it is treatable. If you are worried you have astraphobia, it is important to consultwith a mental health professionalas soon as possible so you receive the help you deserve.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a specific 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 specific 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.

4 SourcesVerywell 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.American Psychiatric Association.Anxiety disorders. InDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th Ed. Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington DC; 2022.doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Warner EN, Strawn JR.Risk factors for pediatric anxiety disorders.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2023;32(3):485-510. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2022.10.001Van Houtem CM, Laine ML, Boomsma DI, Ligthart L, van Wijk AJ, De Jongh A.A review and meta-analysis of the heritability of specific phobia subtypes and corresponding fears.J Anxiety Disord. 2013;27(4):379-388. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.04.007Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-X

4 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.American Psychiatric Association.Anxiety disorders. InDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th Ed. Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington DC; 2022.doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Warner EN, Strawn JR.Risk factors for pediatric anxiety disorders.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2023;32(3):485-510. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2022.10.001Van Houtem CM, Laine ML, Boomsma DI, Ligthart L, van Wijk AJ, De Jongh A.A review and meta-analysis of the heritability of specific phobia subtypes and corresponding fears.J Anxiety Disord. 2013;27(4):379-388. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.04.007Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-X

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.

American Psychiatric Association.Anxiety disorders. InDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th Ed. Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington DC; 2022.doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Warner EN, Strawn JR.Risk factors for pediatric anxiety disorders.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2023;32(3):485-510. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2022.10.001Van Houtem CM, Laine ML, Boomsma DI, Ligthart L, van Wijk AJ, De Jongh A.A review and meta-analysis of the heritability of specific phobia subtypes and corresponding fears.J Anxiety Disord. 2013;27(4):379-388. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.04.007Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-X

American Psychiatric Association.Anxiety disorders. InDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th Ed. Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington DC; 2022.doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Warner EN, Strawn JR.Risk factors for pediatric anxiety disorders.Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2023;32(3):485-510. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2022.10.001

Van Houtem CM, Laine ML, Boomsma DI, Ligthart L, van Wijk AJ, De Jongh A.A review and meta-analysis of the heritability of specific phobia subtypes and corresponding fears.J Anxiety Disord. 2013;27(4):379-388. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.04.007

Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-X

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