What is the Fear of Going Fast Called? Tachophobia and Amaxophobia Explained

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Most of us innately enjoy speed, be it pushing the gas pedal to its maximum extend on an empty highway or undergoing the thrilling descent on a roller coaster. Yet, this excitement can induce immense dread and anxiety in others.

Those intrigued might know that the discomfort related to speed carries two labels: tachophobia and amaxophobia. With a background like mine, Dr. David D. Burns, I’ve deeply studied these phobias and various other anxiety disorders throughout my tenure.

Having authored books that have been a guiding light for millions dealing with mental health hurdles, I aim to dissect these fears more, extending a helping hand. Tachophobia centers around an unreasonable fear of speed itself while amaxophobia concentrates on the fear of driving.

Take solace in the fact you’re not isolated with these emotions – together, we can scrutinize strategies for handling them efficiently and discovering tranquility either behind the wheel or at any speed life might present you.

Defining Tachophobia and Amaxophobia

Tachophobia is when someone fears going too fast. Amaxophobia means fear of being in cars.

Differences and Similarities

Understanding the differences and similarities between tachophobia and amaxophobia is essential. Both impact lives significantly but in distinct ways. Here’s a breakdown in simple terms:

AspectTachophobiaAmaxophobia
DefinitionFear of speedFear of riding in vehicles
CausesGenetic factors, environmental influencesSimilar to tachophobia, including bad experiences
SymptomsPalpitations, chest pain, breath shortnessVery similar to tachophobia
TreatmentCBT, exposure therapyCBT, exposure therapy, sometimes medication
Activities AvoidedDriving fast, roller coastersDriving or riding in cars, buses

Both fears can turn everyday activities into huge challenges. They share many treatment strategies. Yet, their triggers and the specific situations they affect can differ. While teaching at Stanford, I’ve met students with one, or sometimes both, of these fears. Their stories highlight how these phobias can stop people from enjoying life fully.

Knowing the specifics can guide us toward the right help. Now, I’ll provide information on the symptoms of these phobias.

Symptoms of Tachophobia and Amaxophobia

Feeling scared or nervous when things move too fast? That could be tachophobia or amaxophobia. Your heart might beat faster, you may sweat more, and feel dizzy. These signs tell you something is not right inside your mind and body.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out how these fears affect people every day.

Physical Symptoms

I know dealing with tachophobia is tough. You might feel very scared when things move fast. Here’s how your body might react:

  1. Your heart beats hard and fast, which is palpitations.
  2. Chest pain makes you feel like something is wrong with your heart.
  3. You breathe short and quick, feeling like you can’t get enough air.
  4. Sweating happens a lot, even if it’s not hot.
  5. Feeling dizzy or like you might faint.

These signs are scary but they are your body’s way of saying it’s frightened. Next, let’s talk about what goes on in your mind during these times.

Psychological Impact

Moving from the physical to the mind, the way we feel inside plays a big part in this fear. Feeling a lot of worry or thinking you might get hurt can make it really hard for people to enjoy normal things.

For some, just the thought of going fast can cause a big scare. This kind of fear is more than feeling a bit scared; it’s an intense worry that can take over one’s thoughts.

About 12.5% of adults in the U.S. have this kind of fear, which shows it’s not rare at all.

It affects how someone feels inside and can lead them to avoid doing things they used to like or need to do, such as driving or even joining friends on trips. It’s tough because others might not understand why going fast makes them so upset.

This can make someone feel very alone and unsure about seeking help.

Causes and Triggers

Learning why some people fear going fast can help us better understand and support them. This fear, known as tachophobia or amaxophobia when it’s about driving, comes from deep inside our minds.

Genes we inherit from our families can make us more likely to have these fears. The world around us also plays a big part. If someone has had a scary experience with speed, this could kickstart their phobia.

Even hearing stories or watching movies that show high-speed accidents can plant seeds of fear in someone’s mind. Understanding the mix of these genes and experiences sheds light on why people feel this way.

Read on to see how tackling these causes can pave the way for overcoming such fears.

Genetic Factors

Studies show that our genes play a role in fears and phobias. For example, twin studies have shown that both genes and the environment matter in fear and anxiety disorders. Children’s fear symptoms are partly inherited.

Yet, it’s harder to see how genes affect kids’ anxiety than adults’. Genes can explain some of why we feel fear or anxiety.

Next, let’s talk about environmental influences on these fears.

Environmental Influences

Moving beyond genes, our surroundings play a big role in fears like tachophobia. Things around us, from watching fast cars crash on TV to drinking too much coffee, can make this fear worse.

Stressful moments or scary events can also make us more afraid of going fast. I’ve seen how one scary car ride can stick with someone and turn into a full-blown fear.

Our environment shapes our fears in ways we often don’t notice.

Everyday things—like the media showing heart racing scenes or just being really stressed out—can trigger tachophobia symptoms. It’s not just about what happens inside us; what’s happening around us matters too.

Even hearing stories of accidents or seeing them on the news can increase our anxiety about speed.

Treatment Options

Many ways can help with the fear of going fast. Therapy, like talking to a therapist and changing how we think about speed, is one big way. Medicine and slowly getting used to going fast under safe conditions are other methods.

These steps aim to make us feel less scared and more in control when things move quickly around us. To find out which method might work best for you, keep reading on.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people with tachophobia. This method works by changing negative thoughts into positive ones. It helps you cope better with fear of speed or moving fast.

In my sessions, we talk about your feelings and why you are afraid. Then, we take small steps to face those fears together.

For example, if you’re scared of driving fast, we’ll start slow. Maybe first, you’ll just sit in a car. Next time, drive a little bit under the speed limit before going faster over time.

It’s like teaching your brain that it’s okay and safe to go faster than usual.

CBT has shown good results for many anxiety disorders besides tachophobia – like panic attacks and OCD too!

Medication and Exposure Therapy

Dealing with fears, especially the fear of speed or driving fast, can be tough. But, there are ways to make it easier. Here’s what you need to know about medication and exposure therapy:

  1. Doctors give anti-anxiety drugs to help calm your nerves. These medicines can make you feel less scared.
  2. Sometimes, side effects happen with these drugs. You might feel sleepy or have a dry mouth.
  3. Cognitive enhancers work well with talking therapy. They help your brain cope better during therapy sessions.
  4. Exposure therapy is when you face your fear a little at a time. If you’re scared of speed, you might start by watching videos of fast cars before getting into one.
  5. This therapy often uses virtual reality as well. It feels like you’re moving fast, but you’re actually safe in a room.
  6. Fear extinction is another method where you see or experience things that scare you over and over until they don’t scare you anymore.
  7. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxation help during exposure therapy. They keep panic away.

Next, let’s talk about how behavior therapy works in treating phobias like the fear of going fast.

Conclusion

Learning about tachophobia and amaxophobia shows us that fear of going fast can affect anyone. It’s not just being a bit scared; it’s an intense fear that can change how people live their lives.

Luckily, there are ways to get better, like therapy or trying new experiences slowly. I’ve seen people face their fears and start enjoying things they never thought possible before.

Knowing this gives hope to those still struggling. Everyone deserves to feel free moving through the world, no matter the speed.

FAQs

1. What is the fear of going fast called?

The fear of going fast is known as Tachophobia, an intense and irrational fear often related to speed or motion. This type of anxiety disorder can significantly impact daily life and independence.

2. What causes tachophobia?

Tachophobia may develop due to various factors such as psychological trauma, mental distress, or specific phobia linked to high speeds like driving or riding roller coasters. The word tachophobia originates from Greek language implying “speed” and “fear”.

3. How does tachophobia affect individuals?

Individuals with tachophobia may experience symptoms like increased heart rate (tachycardia), nausea, dizziness, tremors, perspiration or even syncope when exposed to fast-moving objects or situations associated with speed – for instance being inside a vehicle.

4. How can one identify if they have Tachophobia?

Diagnosing Tachophobia involves evaluation by a mental health professional using tools like questionnaires and structured clinical interview for DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Physical examination along with psychiatric history helps in medical diagnosis.

5. What are some effective treatments for overcoming Tachophobia?

Treatment approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy that targets negative thoughts and beliefs about speed; systematic desensitization exposing the phobic gradually to speed under guidance; relaxation techniques including diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation; hypnotherapy; medication prescribed by health professionals; seeking support from loved ones also plays a significant role in treatment process.

6. Can lifestyle changes help overcome this fear?

Yes! Regular exercise which aids stress management along with mindfulness practices such as meditation improve quality of life by reducing anxiety symptoms hence helping individuals overcome their fear of speed.

aboutphobias

aboutphobias

At Aboutphobias.com, we provide information related to different types of phobias in people’s daily lives. Aboutphobias.com content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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