MEDICAL DICTIONARY
New, fear of the: An irrational fear of anything new, of innovation, of new situations, places, or things. Also called neophobia.
In animal behavior, neophobia refers to the tendency of an animal to avoid or retreat from an unfamiliar object or situation.
All phobias are unreasonable sorts of fear that can cause avoidance and panic. They represent a relatively common type of anxiety disorder. Phobias can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy using exposure and fear reduction techniques. In many cases, anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication proves helpful, especially during the early stages of therapy.
The word "neophobia" should not be Greek to you. It comes from the Greek "neos" meaning new + "-phobia" from the Greek "phobos" meaning fear = fear (of anything) new. "Neophobia" is not a neologism (a new word); it's been around a while.
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
