User:Herrkurbiskopf/sandbox

=Teratophobia=

Teratophobia is the fear of monsters, giving birth to deformed children, or the fear of deformed people

Overview
The fear of monsters, giving birth to deformed children, or the fear of deformed people is a direct fear but has relations to phobias. Such are fear of the dark (Nyctophobia and Achluophobia), or fear of the unknown (Xenophobia), fear of clowns (Coulrophobia), or fear of demons (Demonophobia) in regards to monsters. The fear of imperfection (Atelophobia), fear of childbirth (Lockiophobia), and fear of being dirty (Automysophobia) can be linked to  fear of giving birth to deformed children or deformed people.

How Common
This fear is widespread, in particular, amongst children of all ages. It is common to have children be afraid of monsters in areas of the house, such as under the bed, closet, bathroom and basement.

For women, the fear affects approximately 15% of the population to different levels.

Etymology
Teratophobia comes from the Greek words terato (meaning monster or malformation) and phobia (meaning fear).

Symptoms
As with any phobia, the symptoms vary from person to person. Teratophobia is common mainly in children ages 3 to 10. The symptoms typically include extreme anxiety, dread and anything associated with panic such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, excessive sweating, nausea, dry mouth, nausea, inability to articulate words or sentences and shaking. Typical reactions also include hiding under blankets, needing a parent at all times, needing lights on, and some item of comfort at all times. It is very common for these symptoms to disappear with age and or intelligence.

In some situations among women, abortion is also present due to the fear or surety of deformity as well as resistance to marry or have sex in some situations.

Causes
Teratophobia can be caused under the following circumstances:

•	A movie that is scary to the viewer

•	A sense of uncertainty

•	Overactive imagination

•	People scaring the victim

•	Scary noises

•	Bad dreams

•	Traumatic events

•	Larger amount of Theta brainwaves

•	A want for perfection

•	Lack of understanding of people

•	Rumors, fairytales or folklore

•	Masks, costumes, and makeup

Treatment
Each case and person is different. One method may not work for everyone, so it is best to consult a psychologist for a diagnosis if needed. In many cases, simply talking to the person in fear helps to relieve the fear. Helping the person to think logically is key in these situations. As soon as they can logically think about the situation, the individual begins to take control of the phobia. This can be done repeatedly until it is eliminated.

Fear of Monsters
This fear is treatable in most situations. In some cases with children and those that fear monsters, a simple reconditioning of the mind is needed. Showing the child there is nothing to fear, not getting the child’s imagination running by over-exaggeration, and creating an environment without fear is one of the best ways to treat and prevent this type of fear.

Giving Birth to Deformed Babies
Scientists recommend before and during pregnancies to study up on what effects a forming fetus. Know the percentages and risks of pregnancy, and visit your gynecologist often to see progress and have questions answered.