What are the causes of trypophobia?
Disease description:
Recently, I suddenly noticed that I immediately get goosebumps and feel physically uncomfortable when seeing objects that are closely clustered together. I would like to consult a doctor about the possible causes of trypophobia (fear of clusters of small holes or密集 objects).
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Claustrophobia of clusters, also known as trypophobia, is a psychological reaction characterized by intense discomfort, nausea, anxiety, or even fear in response to objects or patterns that contain clusters of small holes. Possible causes of trypophobia include the following aspects:
1. Evolutionary psychology perspective: Some theories suggest that humans' fear of clustered small holes may originate from a natural defensive mechanism against harmful organisms such as beehives or insect eggs. Throughout evolution, this reaction helped avoid disease and injury, and thus was retained as a survival strategy.
2. Physiological factors: Patients exhibit increased alertness levels within their nervous systems, making them more sensitive and vigilant—existing in a state of hyperarousal. This physiological state may intensify the fear response to clustered objects.
3. Personal experiences: As with other types of phobias, trypophobia might also be acquired through personal experiences or by observing others' reactions. For example, if someone experienced an unpleasant event related to clustered small holes during childhood, this could form the basis for strong reactions to similar images later in life.
4. Genetic factors: Trypophobia tends to cluster within families. If someone in the family has trypophobia, other family members carry a relatively higher risk of developing this condition.
