Symbolophobia

Symbolophobia is the fear of symbolism. People with this fear may have a belief that symbols are usual signs that something bad may happen and that whenever they see these symbols, they will be the one who will suffer the consequences. Others fear symbolism as far back as the biblical times when symbols were there to signify the events that are to come such as blood on the doors of Jewish people symbolized that they were Christians and those without had their first born sons killed by the angel of death.

Sometimes these people are unaware that they are using symbols in their everyday life, and so they may not display symptoms of anxiety. If they realize that they are dealing with symbols, they may manifest with palpitations, tremors, chest tightness and discomfort, and other symptoms of panic or anxiety.

Treatment may include behavioral and cognitive psychotherapy. Medications are not needed for this phobia.