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Nyctophobia

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Nyctophobia
NCYTOPHOBIA

Are you afraid of sleeping alone in a dark room? Do you avoid being outside at night? Do you get nervous in a dark environment? Do you become angry or defensive if anyone tries to encourage you to spend time in the dark? If your answer is yes to any or all of the above questions, then you might be suffering from Nyctophobia.
Nyctophobia is a common phobia in children. In many cases, childhood Nyctophobia passes as the child matures. While adults with Nyctophobia realize that these fears are irrational, they often find that facing, or even thinking about, facing the darkness brings on a panic attack or severe anxiety.

A. Causes In children, having nyctophobia is because of an experience where there is not much safety and security when being in the dark. This is due to children are often used to watch horror movies or films which they always imagined whenever they in a darkened room or place. However, according to J. Adrian Williams’ article titled, Indirect Hypnotic Therapy of Nyctophobia: A Case Report, many clinics with pediatric patients has a great chance of having adults who have nyctophobia. Adults having nyctophobia is because they are being evolved into something more serious or they got a traumatic experiences. Perhaps the nyctophobic person experienced some abuse as a child and has associated that with darkness. Maybe this individual suffered from frequent, terrifying nightmares. Maybe the nyctophobic person heard or told too many frightening stories or urban myths and a phobia developed based upon those experiences.

B. Symptoms The symptoms of Nyctophobia are individual and will vary among people. Some people, when confronted with their fear of darkness, may begin to perspire, feel slightly uncomfortable or become nauseated. At the opposite end of the spectrum, other people are so severely compromised by this phobia, that they may experience crippling anxiety and/or panic attacks.
Other symptoms of Nyctophobia may

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