Coulrophobia (clown phobia): symptoms, causes and how to deal with it

Definition of coulrophobia (clown phobia)

What is coulrophobia (clown phobia)?

Coulrophobia is a specific type of phobia that leads to clowns. Reporting from The University of Texas, the word coultrophobia is a combination of the words "phobia" and " kōlobatheron " from Greek which means stage.

Phobia itself is defined as an intense fear of certain objects that affect behavior and everyday life. Usually, this condition is a psychological response to a traumatic event in the past.

Clown phobia is not included in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders / DSM – 5) a guide to diagnosing mental illness. However, this fear falls into a specific category because it creates intense fear and anxiety towards clowns who are generally described as witty and adorable.

For people who are afraid of clowns, they will find it difficult to stay calm when they are at circus shows, festivals, carnivals, or other festive celebrations.

How common is this condition?

Coulrophobia is a condition that commonly affects children. Usually appears at the age of 4 to 5 years. However, it can also continue to be experienced by adults as a result of untreated childhood trauma.

Signs & symptoms of coulrophobia (clown phobia)

Phobias are different from ordinary fears. Fear does not only arise when watching films that feature scary clowns, but also experiences fear in life when dealing with various things related to clowns.

In addition to fear, the signs and symptoms that arise if a person has coulrophobia (clown phobia) are:

• Panic, anxiety, and a sensation of nausea.
• The palms are sweaty and trembling.
• Dry mouth, sometimes accompanied by difficulty breathing.
• Heart rate becomes faster.
• Emotions appear and want to cry or scream when they see the feared object.

When to see a doctor

If you or your little one shows the signs of phobia mentioned, it is wise to immediately see a doctor. Moreover, if fear inhibits certain activities.

Causes and risk factors for coulrophobia (clown phobia)

The causes of phobias are very diverse, usually the result of a traumatic and frightening event. In the case of coulrophobia, there are several possible causes and risks which include:

Watch scary movies

The clown figure depicted in films sometimes contradicts the real figure. Many films present clowns as frightening and terrifying figures that cause fear. People who often watch horror films about clowns can be affected, especially in children.

Experiencing a traumatic event

Experiencing a traumatic event related to clowns can lead to clown phobia. This is because when they are confronted with a clown, the brain will command the body to make a "fight-or-flight" response.

The body will pick up on the brain signals that the clown is a threat, so a traumatic event can lead to a phobia of something.

Believe that the figure of a clown is creepy

Although rare, phobias can also develop due to this factor. Usually, children learn many things around them through the people around them. For example, a younger sibling may feel excessive fear because the older sibling also experiences the same thing.

Diganosis & treatment of coulrophobia (clown phobia)

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Most phobias are diagnosed by counseling a therapist or mental health professional. However, in the case of clown phobia, the diagnosis may be somewhat complicated given that this phobia is not registered as an official phobia on the DSM-5.

You may just need to see a therapist to discuss your fear of clowns and how it affects your life. Tell what happens in your mind and body when you see a clown, whether it's shortness of breath, dizziness, panic for example.

How is coulrophobia treated?

The following are common treatments for people with clown phobia:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is usually the first line of treatment for people who have an excessive fear of clowns. There are two types of psychotherapy that are usually chosen, namely:

• Exposure therapy. Therapy by showing pictures of clowns, and discussing any feelings or emotions that arise when seeing them. The therapist will help find ways to overcome it.
• Behavioral and cognitive therapy. This therapy, known as CBT (cognitive and behavior therapy), focuses on changing certain thinking and behavior patterns. For example, changing the way you think about clowns to become more positive.

Take medicine

Apart from therapy, some people who experience excessive fear of clowns also need to take medications such as:

• Beta-blockers. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure, the effects of which can slow down the heart rate. If you experience a panic or fear response, this can help you feel calmer and more relaxed.
• Sedative class of antidepressant drugs. These types of antidepressants can help you relax. Unfortunately, this drug can cause drug addiction so that it is usually not the first choice.

Treatment of coulrophobia (clown phobia) at home

In addition to following doctor's treatment, overcoming your phobia to clowns can also be done with the following treatments:

• Applying exercise to manage anxiety related to phobias to specific objects. Do this physical activity regularly.
• Learn relaxation techniques, namely practicing deep breathing or meditating to deal with anxiety, fear, and stress.

Prevention of coulrophobia (clown phobia)

In fact, there are no effective ways to completely prevent clown phobia. However, the best way you can do is consult a psychologist if you do have a traumatic experience.

Besides, it is important not to give children a scary picture of an object. The reason is, this can change the child's perception of a clown as a scary figure. Instead of telling the child with a cry, "Son, don't play there, there are clowns, it's scary…" it's better to say, "Son, it's dangerous to play there, you'll fall…"