|
Cynophobia (; from the (ギリシア語:κύων) ''kýōn'' "dog" and ''phóbos'' "fear") is the abnormal fear of dogs. Cynophobia is classified as a specific phobia, under the subtype "animal phobias". According to Dr. Timothy O. Rentz of the Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders at the University of Texas, animal phobias are among the most common of the specific phobias and 36% of patients who seek treatment report being afraid of dogs or cats. Although snakes and spiders are more common animal phobias, cynophobia is especially debilitating because of the high prevalence of dogs (in the United States estimated at over 62 million in 2003)〔 and the general ignorance of dog owners to the phobia. The ''Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders'' (''DSM-IV-TR'') reports that only 12% to 30% of those suffering from a specific phobia will seek treatment.〔DSM-IV-TR (2000), p. 446.〕 == Diagnosis == The ''DSM-IV-TR'' provides the following criteria for the diagnosis of a specific phobia:〔DSM-IV-TR (2000), p. 443.〕 : * the persistent fear of an object or situation : * exposure to the feared object provokes an immediate anxiety response : * adult patients recognize that the fear is excessive, unreasonable or irrational (this is not always the case with children) : * exposure to the feared object is most often avoided altogether or is endured with dread : * the fear interferes significantly with daily activities (social, familial, occupational, etc.) : * minor patients (those under the age of 18) have symptoms lasting for at least six months : * anxiety, panic attacks or avoidance cannot be accounted for by another mental disorder The book ''Phobias'' defines a panic attack as "a sudden terror lasting at least a few minutes with typical manifestations of intense fear". These manifestations may include palpitations, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, the urge to escape, faintness or dizziness, dry mouth, nausea and/or several other symptoms.〔 As with other specific phobias, patients suffering from cynophobia may display a wide range of these reactions when confronted with a live dog or even when thinking about or presented with an image (static or filmed) of a dog. Furthermore, classic avoidance behavior is also common and may include staying away from areas where dogs might be (i.e., a park), crossing the street to avoid a dog, or avoiding the homes of friends and/or family who own a dog.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Cynophobia」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|