Hydrophobia
Hydrophobia Causes
Medical professionals indicate that aquaphobia may show itself in a person through their specific experiences or due to biological factors. Some people may develop the phobia as a reaction to a traumatic water experience, like a near drowning or other such event. Others may have failed to have gained experience in the water through casual events like swimming or boating events due to cultural factors. Other individuals may suffer from an "instinctive reaction" to the water which comes separate from any observable factors. They have a gut reaction that limits their fundamental comfort level in any sort of casual water activities.
Hydrophobia Definition
Hydrophobia, also known as aquaphobia, is an abnormal and persistent fear of water. Aquaphobia is a specific phobia that concerns a level of fear that is beyond the patient's control or that may interfere with daily life. People may suffer from aquaphobia in a lot of ways and may experience it even though they realize the water in an ocean, a river, or even a bathtub poses no imminent threat. They may avoid such activities as swimming and boating, or they may avoid swimming in the deep ocean despite having mastered basic swimming skills. This anxiety commonly extends to getting wet or splashed with water when it is least expected or being pushed or thrown into a body of water.
Hydrophobia Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of hydrophobia include breathlessness, dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, dry mouth, feeling sick, shaking, heart palpitations, inability to speak or think clearly, a fear of dying or losing control, a sensation of detachment from reality or a full blown anxiety attack.
Hydrophobia Treatment
Relaxation, exercise, and diet play a big role in alleviating the anxieties of a person suffering from hydrophobia.