Autophobia Definition and How to Deal With It!
Written by: Tanvi Vinay Gangavali – MA (Psychology)
Table of Contents
Autophobia Definition and How to Deal With It!
Do you constantly fear that your loved one may leave you? Or the thought of living alone makes you feel anxious? Being alone is sad. However, when it is a constant fear then it has an impact on your life. Autophobia is a specific fear. The definition of autophobia is the person feels anxious because of the thought of staying alone.
In this article, learn more about the definition of autophobia, the causes and symptoms and also how to manage it.
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Table of Contents
Autophobia Definition and How to Deal With It!
Do you constantly fear that your loved one may leave you? Or the thought of living alone makes you feel anxious? Being alone is sad. However, when it is a constant fear then it has an impact on your life. Autophobia is a specific fear. The definition of autophobia is the person feels anxious because of the thought of staying alone.
In this article, learn more about the definition of autophobia, the causes and symptoms and also how to manage it.

Chapter 1:Definition of Autophobia
Definition of Autophobia
- burglars entering the house.
- strangers
- not being loved
- being unwanted
- having a sudden medical problem
- hearing noises which others cannot hear.

Chapter 2:Autophobia vs. Loneliness
Autophobia vs. Loneliness
The definition of autophobia is not the same as feeling lonely.
Loneliness is because a person feels that they have too few social interactions or connections. People can feel lonely even when others are around. People can feel anxious when they are lonely, but this anxiety is lesser than that of autophobia.
Autophobia means severe anxiety. It is caused by the idea of spending time alone.

Chapter 3:Autophobia Definition-Symptoms
Autophobia Definition-Symptoms
- strong worry about being alone
- thinking of fears of what could happen when alone
- being detached from your body when alone
- having a panic attack when alone.
- a lot of fear when alone.
- a lot of fear when thinking about when you could be alone.
- a strong wish to escape when you’re alone
- being nervous when thinking about loneliness
- Autophobia can lead to the following behaviours:
- finding extreme ways to not be alone
- looking for a company.
- not wanting people to leave.
- lack of independence in relationships.

Chapter 4:Diagnosis of Autophobia
Diagnosis of Autophobia
If a person thinks they fit into the definition of autophobia, they can speak with a doctor or mental health professional. The clinician will ask about the person’s state of mind, behaviour and feelings.
Based on the symptoms, the clinician may diagnose a specific phobia if the fear and negative emotions have lasted for more than 6 months. Also, if the symptoms get in the way of the person’s social or work life. It is also needed to know the cause of their symptoms. This helps to find ways to treat them better.

Chapter 5:Causes of Autophobia
Causes of Autophobia
- being alone in a traumatic event
- feeling abandoned in childhood.
- divorce or a death in the family
- distress in childhood
- someone in the family has the same phobia or different.
- Childhood Experiences
- Traumatic Experience
- Other Conditions

Chapter 6:What Is Autophobia-Management and Treatment?
What Is Autophobia-Management and Treatment?
The definition of autophobia is clear. It is difficult to deal with autophobia. There are many ways in which how this can be managed-
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT provides techniques to help a person cope with anxiety. It is a common treatment. In CBT, your therapist will expose you to your fear. Other techniques learnt how to confront and deal with being alone. This happens more constructively. They will also examine your pattern of thinking around your fear. CBT can give you a sense of confidence. This also helps you to confront your autophobia. This will help you feel more in control the next time it happens.
- Exposure therapy
This is another type of behavioural therapy. It involves slow exposure to the feared situation. This happens in a safe and controlled way. Exposure therapy treats any behaviour which we are trying to avoid. The goal is for this treatment to improve your life. Also, so that the phobias do not trouble you in your daily life. In this type, constant exposure to your phobia is done. It first happens in a safe controlled place. Later, it will move to real-life. There is an increase in periods of being alone. Also, this builds tolerance.
- Medication
To deal with the chemical imbalances in the brain because of anxiety, medications are helpful. This can help ease anxiety about specific situations. This also helps in dealing with Autophobia.
Outlook
The definition of Autophobia helps to know what it looks like. Autophobia is treatable. Therapy and sometimes even medication can help a person manage their symptoms. The right treatment reduces anxiety and also goes away entirely.
If this article was interesting do enrol for our course on the website which helps to know more about anxiety and loneliness.
Learn evidence-based scientific ways of coping with chronic fatigue
99 Lessons
3 hours
- Educational Content
- Quizzes
- Self-reflection material
- Suggestions & feedback
- Worksheet, tips & tools to use
€9.00
€12.00
25% discount