Equinophobia

Definition

Definition of Equinophobia
Equinophobia or hippophobia is a psychological fear of horses, derived from the Greek word 'Phobos', meaning fear and the Latin word 'Equus', meaning horse. The term hippophobia is also derived from the Greek word 'Phobos' and the prefix is derived from the Greek word for horse, 'Hippos'.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Equinophobia
The following symptoms can be exhibited when a person suffering from Equinophobia either thinks of a horse or is physically near them:

1. Feeling of terror
2. Anxiety (even if the horse is calm)
3. Trembling
4. Panic
5. Palpitations
6. Shortness of breath
7. Sudden increase in pulse rate
8. Nausea
9. Crying

Causes

Causes of Equinophobia
Negative experiences with horses during one's childhood may give rise to this phobia. Many times, after being kicked off a horse, people avoid them and gradually, this develops from fear to a full blown phobia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Equinophobia
An exam with the help of a psychiatrist may be helpful to diagnose the extent of a patient's phobia.

Treatment

Treatment of Equinophobia
Many treatment options are available for those suffering from it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one form of therapy for people who suffer from certain phobias. It focuses on one's fears and the reason they exist. It tries to change and challenge the thought processes behind one's fear. Studies have shown that it has been effective in treating people with Equinophobia. Another treatment option is Systematic desensitization. This focuses on gradually acclimating patients to their phobias. The first step in this process may involve thinking about horses. The second step may be looking at pictures of horses. Once the patient gets comfortable with the images, they may proceed to meeting a horse, touching a horse, and finally riding a horse. For extreme cases, it may also be necessary to use medication, even though its effects are only short term.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Equinophobia
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Equinophobia
Consult with your doctor.