Question

Batrachophobia is a fear of what?

Answer 1

A phobia is an irrational fear reaction. People having phobia may experience a deep sense of panic when encountering the source of fear. The fear may be of a certain place, situation or object. Phobias arise due to genetic and environmental factors. Some of the symptoms of phobia include shortness of breath, inability to speak, nausea, profuse sweating, elevated blood pressure etc.

Complete answer:
Batrachophobia refers to the fear of amphibians like frogs, toads, newts and salamanders. It was first recorded in a dictionary of psychiatry in 1953. People with batrachophobia may experience fear and anxiety when interacting with amphibians. Even looking at pictures or videos of them may trigger symptoms of anxiety. The symptoms include nausea, numbness, fainting etc. Batrachophobia is not unusual and is fully treatable. It could affect persons of all age groups, with symptoms varying from person to person.
Most people who have this phobia develop this fear because of incidents from their childhoods like pranks involving these animals. Brain chemistry also plays an important role in the development of phobias. Even though this fear can be irrational due to the harmless nature of the amphibians, people with batrachophobia may develop secondary anxiety around the mockery of their fear.

Note:
Any type of phobia can be overcome by certain self-help methods or through professional treatment. Self help methods include meditation, distracting hobbies, self-help books etc. Professional treatment includes exposure therapy, prescription medications, counselling and group therapy. In exposure therapy, the subject is introduced to the situation or object of fear until the fear subsides.