What is the name of the fear of mice? - briefly
The fear of mice is known as «musophobia», also called «murop hobia». This term describes the specific anxiety triggered by rodents of the mouse family.
What is the name of the fear of mice? - in detail
The specific phobia concerning rodents, particularly mice, is identified as «musophobia». It belongs to the category of specific anxiety disorders and is classified under the DSM‑5 as a specific phobia, animal type.
Etymology derives from Latin mus (mouse) combined with Greek phobos (fear). The term entered medical literature in the early 20th century and is consistently used in psychotherapeutic contexts.
Typical manifestations include:
- Immediate physiological response such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling upon visual or auditory exposure to mice.
- Persistent avoidance of environments where mice may be present, often extending to kitchens, basements, or agricultural settings.
- Intrusive thoughts about infestation, leading to heightened distress even in the absence of actual rodents.
Epidemiological data suggest that musophobia affects a minority of the population, with prevalence estimates ranging from 1 % to 5 % depending on cultural and geographic factors. It frequently co‑occurs with other animal‑related phobias, such as arachnophobia or cynophobia, indicating a possible generalized animal‑phobia disposition.
Diagnostic criteria require:
- Marked fear or anxiety triggered by the presence or anticipation of mice.
- Recognition that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.
- Persistent avoidance or endured distress.
- Duration of at least six months.
- Significant interference with occupational, social, or other important areas of functioning.
Therapeutic approaches with demonstrated efficacy include:
- Cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT) employing systematic desensitization and exposure hierarchy.
- Virtual‑reality exposure, providing controlled visual and auditory stimuli without actual rodents.
- Pharmacotherapy, typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines for acute symptom management, adjunctive to psychotherapy.
Prognosis improves markedly when exposure techniques are applied consistently, with remission rates reported between 70 % and 85 % in clinical trials. Ongoing research investigates the role of genetic predisposition and neurobiological markers, aiming to refine individualized treatment protocols.