The fear of thunder is called astraphobia, also known as brontophobia, keraunophobia, or tonitrophobia. It is a type of specific phobia, which is an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation.
The exact cause of astraphobia is unknown, but there are a few possible explanations:
- Genetics: Some people may be more likely to develop astraphobia if they have a family history of the condition.
- Traumatic experience: A traumatic experience during a thunderstorm, such as being struck by lightning or seeing someone else be injured by lightning, can increase the risk of developing astraphobia.
- Learning: People can learn to fear thunder through conditioning, such as if they are repeatedly exposed to negative experiences during thunderstorms.
- Other mental health conditions: People with other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or social anxiety disorder, are more likely to also have astraphobia.
The symptoms of astraphobia can vary from person to person, but they may include:
- Intense fear or anxiety when thunderstorms are approaching or during thunderstorms
- Physical symptoms such as sweating, racing heart, dizziness, or nausea
- Avoidance of thunderstorms or places where thunderstorms are likely to occur
- Disruption of daily life due to the fear of thunderstorms
If you think you or someone you know may have astraphobia, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment for astraphobia can include exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication.
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing the person to their fear in a safe and controlled environment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps the person to challenge their irrational thoughts about thunder and lightning. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used to treat the anxiety symptoms associated with astraphobia.
With treatment, most people with astraphobia can learn to manage their fear and live a normal life.