MENINGITOPHOBIA Meaning and
Definition
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Meningitophobia is a term that describes an excessive or irrational fear of contracting meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent thoughts or worries about the possibility of getting infected with the disease, despite little or no real threat or evidence of the condition.
Individuals suffering from meningitophobia often experience intense anxiety symptoms, such as panic attacks, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and a sense of impending doom when they encounter situations associated with meningitis. These situations may include being in crowded places, close contact with people who may be carriers, or even reading or hearing about meningitis in media or conversations.
Meningitophobia can greatly impact an individual's daily life, as they may avoid social interactions, public places, or gatherings where they fear exposure to the disease. They might also excessively research or seek information related to meningitis, leading to heightened anxiety levels.
Treatment for meningitophobia typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and medication if necessary. CBT helps individuals challenge their irrational beliefs and fears, replacing them with more realistic and adaptive thought patterns. Exposure therapy gradually exposes the person to feared situations under controlled conditions, helping them confront and manage their anxiety response. Additionally, support groups, counseling, and self-help techniques may also be useful in overcoming meningitophobia.
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An hysterical meningism caused by an exaggerated fear of brain disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MENINGITOPHOBIA
- neningitophobia
- keningitophobia
- jeningitophobia
- mwningitophobia
- msningitophobia
- mdningitophobia
- mrningitophobia
- m4ningitophobia
- m3ningitophobia
- mebingitophobia
- memingitophobia
- mejingitophobia
- mehingitophobia
- menungitophobia
- menjngitophobia
- menkngitophobia
- menongitophobia
- men9ngitophobia
- men8ngitophobia
- menibgitophobia
Etymology of MENINGITOPHOBIA
The word "meningitophobia" is a combination of two roots: "meningitis" and "phobia".
1. "Meningitis" originates from Greek:
- "Meninges" (μῆνιγξ) means "membrane" or "covering". It refers to the three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
- The suffix "-itis" (-ῖτις) typically denotes inflammation, thus "meningitis" refers to the inflammation of the meninges caused by infection or other factors.
2. "Phobia" comes from Greek as well:
- "Phobos" (φόβος) means "fear" or "aversion".
- The suffix "-phobia" (-φοβία) is used to indicate an intense or irrational fear or aversion to something.
