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Sufferers report feeling anxiety or panic-like symptoms, including difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, nausea, itching, and sweating, when they are exposed to a pattern of holes.
Despite its fairly common occurrence, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) does not recognize trypophobia in its volume of mental illnesses (DSM–5). Why? Extensive research on the subject is lacking, but most phobias are considered to arouse fear rather than disgust. In trypophobia, however, disgust is the prevalent reaction.
Researchers debate whether those with trypophobia are afraid of the holes themselves or rather associate the cluster of holes with “venomous organisms.” A product of evolution is that people are wired to fear that which they perceive to be harmful. Therefore, looking at holes might trigger a fear of disease-ridden skin issues that people may want to have an aversion to in order to keep themselves safe.
Some believe that trypophobia has nothing to do with evolution but rather that images of hole-like patterns elicit a negative reaction in people. This theory supports the idea that rather than being a phobia, the intense discomfort is caused by a response to visual stimuli. Others believe that the cause is social anxiety, with the circles resembling eyes or faces, which can be unnerving if you are uncomfortable in social situations.
Whatever the cause, trypophobia is considered to be more common in women than in men and it might also be more prevalent in individuals who suffer from migraines or epilepsy.
While there is no specific treatment for trypophobia, it is worthwhile trying treatments that are proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of other phobias.
While psychologists continue to debate whether trypophobia is considered to be a genuine phobia, the condition is fairly common and continues to cause significant distress to those who are afflicted with it. Hopefully, as more research is conducted in the future, there will be greater awareness and knowledge of trypophobia along with specific treatment strategies.