By: Jennifer Dubose, BA, Psychology
Ophidiophobia: The Fear of Snakes
Cobras, pythons, and boa constrictors are all snakes with the power to be lethal. There are also snakes that are harmless to humans, such as garter snakes. However, no snake is harmless for those suffering from ophidiophobia—just a glimpse of any snake can elicit sheer terror.
Ophidiophobia (pronounced [Oh-fid-ee-oh foh-bee-uh]) can be defined as the abnormal or irrational fear of snakes. Though not specifically designated in the DSM-V, Ophidiophobia is usually grouped under diagnosis F40.218—Other Animal Type Phobia.
Statistics
- According to YouGov, 64% of American adults are afraid of snakes, and 32% fall into the “very afraid” category.
- YouGov also noted that 79% of adults 65 and older were afraid of snakes.
- A Gallup Poll showed that 62% of the women in their study were afraid of snakes compared to only 38% of men.
Why are People Afraid of Snakes?
An Innate Fear of Snakes
The Max Planck Institute in Germany hypothesized that we are born with an innate fear of snakes, showing that a baby’s eyes dilate more at the sight of snakes versus something more tranquil, like a flower — dilation being associated with stress.
However, not all experts agree — a Rutgers University study had infants under a year old watch videos of snakes paired with either a scary voice or a happy one. The infants paid more attention to the snakes with the fearful voice but did not show accelerated heart rates when startled — suggesting interest rather than fear. This interest, combined with an innate ability to quickly sense a snake’s movement, could be the real factor behind the fear response.
Conditioned to be Afraid
A child’s curiosity and a snake’s defensive strike (a hiss or a bite) can create a single, powerful negative association. Growing up in a region with lethal snakes, and watching parents react with fear, can also teach a learned fear response.
Symptoms
- The inability to participate in outdoor activities for fear of coming across a snake
- The inability to enter a pet store or zoo for fear of seeing a snake
- Intense fear and dread simply from coming across a photo of a snake, or seeing one in a movie
- Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and vomiting, and full-blown panic attacks
Snakes in the Movies
Snakes are usually portrayed in movies as terrifying and dangerous creatures, even in children’s movies like The Jungle Book. Other examples: Indiana Jones (young Jones falls into a train car full of snakes), Snakes on a Plane, Anaconda, and Python.
Snakes in the News
- In October 2017 in Indonesia, a giant python (over 25 feet) nearly bit off the arm of a security guard trying to remove it from a roadway; it was captured and killed.
- A 19-year-old snake wrangler in Australia was bitten by his pet Inland Taipan, one of the most venomous snakes in the world, and hospitalized in serious condition.
- A man in North Carolina accidentally disturbed mating Copperhead snakes and was bitten repeatedly.
Ophidiophobia Treatment
Basic Treatment
- Do your research: learn which snakes in your area may be hazardous, what they look like, their temperament, and where they’re found — and also learn about the harmless ones you don’t need to fear.
- Learn first aid so you’re armed with the knowledge of how to treat a bite if it happens; most snake bites are treatable with modern medicine.
- Expose yourself gradually to harmless snakes — photos first, then enclosed viewing at a pet store or zoo exhibit.
- Some zoos offer supervised interactive programs where you can touch or hold a snake under professional guidance, working up to the object of your fear.
Advanced Treatment
For more advanced treatment, counseling is the best option for personalized care — search online for a qualified professional, or consider online therapy (BetterHelp review linked) if you prefer to meet from home.
Disclaimer: dangerous and venomous snakes exist worldwide, and it’s very rare to be bitten. A healthy respect for snakes and giving them space is recommended — this article addresses an unhealthy, abnormal fear of snakes.
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Related post links: Astraphobia (fear of lightning), Overcome Aviophobia (fear of flying), Gamophobia (fear of commitment)