It's strange how the smallest lifeless things can induce high levels of anxiety in some people. Dolls are one of these things, most of us have played with dolls as a kid and we are very familiar with them. But there are people in this world that have a major phobia of dolls, the psychological term for it is "Pediophobia". Pediophobia is a type of phobia known as a specific phobia, an irrational fear of something that poses no actual threat.It is believed to be a type of automatonophobia or fear of humanoid figures. Some people are afraid of all dolls and stuffed toys, while others fear only a specific type. Dolls that talk or move and old-fashioned china dolls are especially common targets of fear.
People who usually have it are made fun of or they are met with criticism like- "it's just a doll, get over it already", " you're too old to be scared from such petty things", "brave kids should not get scared from lifeless toys like these". People who don't have it do not understand the amount of panic that surges through a person's body when they are met with situations where they have to face a doll virtually or not.
Many parents want their children, to love dolls, they may become distressed if their child screams or cries when a doll is presented. It is important to keep in mind, though, that small children are just learning to separate fantasy from reality. A doll, which appears to be human but is not, can be terrifying to a child who does not yet understand the concept. Therefore, like most phobias, pediophobia is not diagnosed in children unless it has persisted for more than six months.
This kind of phobia does not develop overnight in an adult; it's foundation is laid in childhood.
The fear of dolls has been heavily exploited in pop culture settings, ranging from movies to Halloween events. In most of these occurrences, the premise is that a seemingly harmless doll has become a sentient being bent on destruction. Whether this happens through magical spells or random chance, the net result is the same: a child’s plaything has become deadly.
Even in Charlie and the chocolate facotory, in the beginning there are plastic dolls that are put on fire which makes them look awful and scary, this sight can be very terrifying for a person dealing with pediophobia.
Specific phobias like pediophobia can be unrelenting and frightening, but they are also very treatable. Mental health professionals take phobias seriously and can offer counseling and prescribe medications to help treat the phobia.
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder. For people with pediophobia, seeing or thinking about dolls can cause anxiety that is so intense they may become frozen with fear.
Specific phobias like pediophobia can be unrelenting and frightening, but they are also very treatable. Mental health professionals take phobias seriously and can offer counseling and prescribe medications to help treat the phobia.
What are the symptoms of pediophobia?
For people with pediophobia, seeing or thinking about dolls may cause the following symptoms:
feelings of intense fear
difficulty breathing
chest pain or tightness
fast heartbeat
sweating
shaking or trembling
panic attacks
distress
screaming
trying to flee
nausea
lightheadedness
Children may cry, cling to their parents, or throw tantrums.
The fear experienced is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the object (dolls). If the phobia becomes severe, a person with pediophobia may even re-organize their entire life just to avoid dolls.
How is pediophobia treated?
There are several treatment methods available for pediophobia such as different types of therapy and, in some cases, prescription medications.
Exposure therapy
The most common treatment method for phobias is called exposure therapy or systematic desensitization. This therapy consists of very gradually exposing a person with pediophobia to dolls. One is also taught various techniques to deal with anxiety, such as breathing and relaxation exercises.
Exposure therapy usually starts off small. While one's therapist is present, you may view a photograph of a doll and practice relaxation techniques. Later, with one's therapist present, you may watch a short video about dolls, again working on breathing and relaxation. Eventually, one may be in the same room with your therapist with an actual doll as you perform your relaxation exercises.
Mental health professionals may also use these other types of therapy to help you change your irrational fear into a more logical view of dolls:
cognitive behavioural therapy
hypnosis
family therapy
virtual therapy, where a patient can interact with dolls using a computer
If you ever come across someone who tells you that's they are scared of dolls, instead of making fun of them and joking about a serious mental health disorder, make them feel that it's okay to tell them that it is normal to have phobias. Make them feel heard rather than make them feel neglected. Encourage them to see a therapist and be a shoulder of support. Mental health is not a joke to laugh at.