You're Afraid Of What? A Look At Odd Phobias

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Admit it, you're scared of something; be it heights (Acrophobia,) snakes (Ophidiophobia,) or of course urine (Urophobia,) there's nothing inhuman about fear. There is, however, a compelling element to certain fears that seem so specific, there must be a story to explain their existence. Experts say though some lesser-known phobias seem odd at first, history is often the tie that binds common and uncommon fears, as they stem from what was once a threat to our ancestors. The following lesser-known phobias are undoubtedly more complexing and perhaps more morbidly entertaining than their more familiar counterparts.

Ephebiphobia: The fear of youth - It's one thing to yell at teenagers for skateboarding on the sidewalk, but it's quite another to have a genuine fear of young'ns. Ehebiphobiacs often refuse to go near young people, even going as far as voting against legislation that would merge young people with older members of society. The Free Child Project promotes Ephebiphobia awareness and claims it's a problem made worse through the media's portrayal of our nation's youth.

Gymnophobia: The fear of nudity - God I wish Bruce Valance suffered from this. Disturbing jokes aside, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook indicates this is a very real fear that may stem from the overly modest standards present in some societies. Obviously, Gymnophobia is no picnic for a sex life either; with therapists reporting numerous cases of marriage troubles caused by the phobia. This one also packs a little star power via Arrested Development characters Tobias Funke and Philip Lit, both of whom suffer from Gymnophobia.

Taphophobia: The fear of being buried alive - Horror movie villains could certainly make a case for Taphophobia. That hand of the supposedly dead and buried evildoer suddenly breaking through the ground to indicate a sequel is likely would make an excellent brochure image for this disorder. Historical experts will tell you there was a time when such a fear was far from absurd, as doctors often misdiagnosed unconscious people as dead, and the poor souls made their way to an early grave. Any Edgar Allen Poe fan knows the author frequently worked the "buried alive" theme into his work, suggesting Poe had a hint of Taphophobia himself. Modern Taphophobiacs may refuse to go to funerals or even seek medical attention.

Other notably intriguing phobias include a fear of ants (Myrmecophobia,) garlic (Alliumphobia,) and even Jews (Judeophobia.) Check out an unabbreviated list here, and if you suffer from an irrational fear yourself, contact a doctor...unless, of course, you're an Iatrophobiac.