Apeirophobia is the fear of infinity, an anxiety response triggered by contemplating endlessness in space, time or number. It is often described as an existential rather than a purely sensory phobia, arising when a person dwells on a concept such as an infinite universe or an endless afterlife rather than encountering a physical object or situation. Because its trigger is abstract, it is harder to address with conventional exposure therapy than phobias tied to a concrete stimulus.
Facts
Classification
Type of Phenomenon Type of PhenomenonDevelopmental Phenomenon 1 Diagnostic ChapterAnxiety or Fear-Related Disorders 1 Connections
In Branch
Source Wikipedia: Apeirophobia
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Apeirophobia
Wikimedia Foundationlead section, phenomenon-kind classification
It normally starts in adolescence or earlier and it is currently not known how it normally develops over time.
lead section, diagnostic classification
'infinite, boundless') is the specific phobia of infinity, eternity, endlessness, or the uncountable and is also known as the fear of infinity, the fear of eternity, or the fear of endlessness, causing discomfort and sometimes panic attacks from intrusive thoughts of the infinity.
lead section, phenomenon-kind classification, additional value emotional
Sufferers commonly report feelings of derealization which may cause the perception of a dreamlike or distorted reality.
In Branch: Abnormal Psychology, Categories
Wikipedia article 'Apeirophobia' is filed under Category:Phobias.
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