Trypophobia is a term used to describe people who have unreasonable fears about a collection of bumps or small holes.
Some scientists believe that human genes do not like the shape of this collection of holes. Some other experts say if this fear is a learned behavior. The term trypophobia appeared in 2005. The term was raised by Internet users by combining the Greek word for the hole and fear.
This term has not been classified as an official psychiatric condition. But a study in the journal Psychological Science estimates if 16 percent of people suffer from this phobia. The journal explains if the condition provokes a strong reaction. Though the trigger is a collection of holes are usually harmless and does not pose a threat.
The severity of this phobia varies from case to case. Some trypophobia sufferers feel uncomfortable seeing a collection of holes. Some other sufferers claimed to see the shape made them tremble with fear. Research related to this phobia is still minimal. Some experts believe that if human DNA makes us feel disgusted to see the pattern of holes that cause trypophobia.
Scientists who make this phobia-related theory are Wilkins and Cole based on their research in 2013, writes The Sun, Wednesday (2/8). They argue that this fear is a human instinct. They connect the collection of holes or bumps with danger. This is because the human brain connects the shape of the hole with disease or injury. Curing this phobia is not easy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to help trypophobia sufferers to change their mindset. Therapy makes them able to distinguish if the fears they feel are only there in their imagination. Other treatments may include behavioral therapy, counseling and hypnosis.