What is a person who is afraid of rats called? - briefly
A person who fears rats is described as having musophobia, and is commonly called a musophobe.
What is a person who is afraid of rats called? - in detail
The condition is identified as a specific phobia of rats, commonly referred to as rattophobia. In broader classifications the term musophobia is also applied, since it denotes fear of rodents such as mice and rats. Individuals who experience this anxiety are described as rat‑phobic.
In diagnostic manuals the fear falls under “Specific Phobia, Animal Type.” Criteria include intense, persistent dread triggered by the presence or even the thought of rats, avoidance of environments where rats may appear, and physiological reactions such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.
Etymology
- Rattophobia: from Latin rattus (rat) + Greek phobos (fear).
- Musophobia: from Latin mus (mouse) + Greek phobos; extended to include rats.
Typical manifestations
- Immediate panic when a rat is sighted.
- Refusal to enter basements, sewers, or agricultural settings.
- Distress at images, sounds, or descriptions of rats.
Management strategies
- Cognitive‑behavioral therapy focusing on gradual exposure.
- Systematic desensitization paired with relaxation techniques.
- Pharmacological support (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) for severe cases.
The phobia affects a minority of the population, with reported prevalence ranging from 2 % to 5 % for animal‑type specific phobias. Literature and folklore frequently portray rat aversion, reinforcing the cultural visibility of the fear.