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What is a Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia?

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is one of the longest words in the dictionary — and, in an ironic twist, is the name for a fear of long words. Sesquipedalophobia is another term for the phobia. The American Psychiatric Association doesn't officially recognize this phobia.

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Is this common? Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is one of the longest words in the dictionary — and, in an ironic twist, is the name for a fear of long words. Sesquipedalophobia is another term for the phobia. The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t officially recognize this phobia. Instead, hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is considered a social phobia. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines a very specific definition for social phobias. Medical professionals use the DSM-5 to help them make diagnoses. According to the DSM-5, criteria for social phobias include: a fear or anxiety about social situations where a person may be examined, like meeting new people or having a conversation

the fear or anxiety is disproportionate to the social situation

the fear or anxiety is persistent and the social situation is excessively avoided

the fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinical distress

What are the symptoms? Symptoms may be triggered when a person sees a long word, such as “antidisestablishmentarianism.” This can cause a person with hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia to feel fear and anxiety. They may also avoid reading so they don’t have to come across long words that’ll cause them to panic. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the fear of long words can trigger embarrassment or feelings of being mocked when pronouncing or reading long words. Other symptoms can include: trembling

sweating

dizziness

fainting

dry mouth

headache

trouble breathing

avoiding reading because of your fear

feeling distressed over academics or work involving long words There are also more general phobia symptoms that you could watch out for, including: being aware that your phobia is unreasonable, but feeling powerless to control your fear

unable to function as you normally would because of your phobia

feeling nauseated

What can cause phobias like this? Not much is known about the causes this phobia. But there are some causes and risk factors that are common across multiple phobias. These include: An associated negative event: For example, a person who had a hard time learning words as a child may panic whenever they see a long word. Their difficulty learning words could be a scary, traumatic time. For example, a person who had a hard time learning words as a child may panic whenever they see a long word. Their difficulty learning words could be a scary, traumatic time. Genetics: People who have a family history of certain phobias, anxiety, of other mental health conditions may have a higher chance of developing the same kind of phobia. People who have a family history of certain phobias, anxiety, of other mental health conditions may have a higher chance of developing the same kind of phobia. Environment: This phobia may also be triggered by learned behavior, such as hearing about negative experiences about that specific phobia or traumatic experiences related to it.

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This phobia may also be triggered by learned behavior, such as hearing about negative experiences about that specific phobia or traumatic experiences related to it. Brain function: Changes in your brain activity may also raise your chances of developing a certain phobia. How is it diagnosed? Generally, individuals with this phobia will never seek out medical help. People with the phobia would presumably take jobs where they weren’t exposed to lengthy words and phrases. However, if symptoms become unbearable or other symptoms emerge, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms to determine if you have a phobia or anxiety disorder. They’ll also review your psychiatric, medical, family, and social history. Your doctor will also refer to the DSM-5. Since mental health and medical associations don’t officially recognize hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia as a phobia, it technically isn’t a diagnosable condition. However, your doctor may be able to offer general information about phobias and recommend treatment. What treatment options are available? In general, a phobia can be treated in many different ways. Exposure therapy is the most common and effective form of phobia treatment. This version of psychotherapy helps change your response to the object, situation, or word causing you fear and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another common form of treatment used to manage or cure a phobia. CBT blends exposure therapy with other therapeutic techniques in order to help you cope with your anxiety. It will also help limit any overwhelming thoughts. Medications can also be helpful in managing anxiety disorders. However, not much is known about their effectiveness in treating this particular phobia. Other treatment options include: talk therapy with a psychiatrist, counselor, or social worker mindfulness strategies such as mindful breathing, listening, and observation to help you cope with anxiety attending a support group to connect with other people facing the same or similar phobia You could also manage your phobia symptoms by making certain lifestyle changes, such as: getting enough sleep each night

eating a healthy and balanced diet

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cutting out substances that can make anxiety worse, like caffeine

facing fearful and anxiety-inducing situations head-on When confronted with long words, you may also find it helpful to: Substitute words. Avoiding long words may help you cope, but it’s not necessarily possible all the time. If faced with a long word, try substituting it with a similar shorter term. For example, if you need to write “refrigerator,” use “fridge” instead. You could also try and replace a friend’s long name with their initials or nickname, as long as they’re OK with it. Avoiding long words may help you cope, but it’s not necessarily possible all the time. If faced with a long word, try substituting it with a similar shorter term. For example, if you need to write “refrigerator,” use “fridge” instead. You could also try and replace a friend’s long name with their initials or nickname, as long as they’re OK with it. Break words down. Take your time when reading a long word. Breathe in and break the word down into parts, then into syllables. For example, if you have a word like “semiautobiographical,” read it as sem-i-au-to-bi-o-gra-phi-cal. Take your time when reading a long word. Breathe in and break the word down into parts, then into syllables. For example, if you have a word like “semiautobiographical,” read it as sem-i-au-to-bi-o-gra-phi-cal. Take advantage of technology. Computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices have autocorrect and dictionaries available to help with spelling. They may also help with phonetic pronunciation in the event that you must learn to pronounce a long word. Online therapy options Read our review of the best online therapy options to find the right fit for you.

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