Algophobia

Algophobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of physical pain that is far stronger than the ordinary dislike of pain most people feel. Sufferers experience intense worry, panic or depression at the thought of pain, which can make it difficult to function normally. It is especially common among people with chronic pain syndromes, who may fear their pain returning or worsening, and the anxiety itself can make a person more sensitive to pain. Faced with a situation that might be painful, such as a dental checkup, people with algophobia show anxiety symptoms including a faster heart rate, breathing difficulty, shaking, panic and avoidance; some go on to develop kinesiophobia, a fear of movement because it might cause pain, which can interfere with healing and rehabilitation. Most people manage the fear through a combination of psychotherapy, exercise and exposure therapy. The name comes from the Greek algos, pain, and phobos, fear.