Phobia: I Can't Go Out
BASOPHOBIA/ PTOPHOBIA
Basophobia, an aversion to falling, often manifests after a significant fall injury and is referred to as ptophobia. Symptoms may encompass nausea, tachycardia, thoracic discomfort, and anxiety, prompting avoidance behaviours.
Roughly 40% of elderly individuals grapple with basophobia, and an even more significant portion contend with ptophobia. Notably, the apprehension of falling tends to be more prevalent among females.
Here is an illustrative case of Basophobia/Ptophobia and agoraphobia. In the video “I Can’t Go Out,” we observe Mirion contending with the challenge of venturing out after a recent fall.
YouTube:
After experiencing a traumatic accident in a dimly lit theatre, Mirion developed basophobia, the fear of falling, and a mild form of agoraphobia, which resulted in her feeling uneasy about going outside. Her fear of basophobia ended up taking over her life as she got back onto her feet again after breaking her hip. It meant that she was unable to use transport, like being in the car, going up and down escalators and flying in a plane, without having a constant fear of falling or something terrible happening to her again.
During Minion’s recovery, her husband David assumed the role of her primary caregiver, tending to her emotional and physical needs as she recuperated. This temporary arrangement allowed Mirion time to regain her strength and well-being. That was until she commenced therapy with Steve to assist Mirion in overcoming her fear of travel and falling suddenly. It was a significant turning point in her recovery.
After undergoing a series of therapy sessions with Steve, Mirion demonstrated significant progress. She transitioned from a state of extreme distress, where sitting in the back seat of a car felt necessary for her safety, to regaining the confidence to occupy the passenger seat next to David. Furthermore, her ability to navigate a shopping centre and use escalators without experiencing panic attests to her remarkable improvement. By the conclusion of her therapy, Mirion displayed composure and tranquillity, even showing a willingness to revisit the theatre where her traumatic incident occurred. Her newfound ability to occupy the same seat without succumbing to fear or anxiety underscores the extent of her progress.
Thank you, Marion, for graciously sharing your story with us.
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