Pellagrophobia

Pellagrophobia is the fear of pellagra, a vitamin deficiency disease caused by a lack of niacin (vitamin B3) in the diet. It can also be caused by problems with the body's ability to absorb niacin or tryptophan. Pellagrophobia is a specific phobia related to the anxiety over developing the symptoms of pellagra, which include dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and eventually, if untreated, death.

Causes

Pellagrophobia, like other specific phobias, may arise from a combination of genetic tendencies, brain chemistry, and personal experience. In the case of pellagrophobia, a direct or indirect experience with pellagra or its symptoms, either personally or through a close association, may trigger the development of this phobia. Knowledge of the severe effects of niacin deficiency, especially in regions or historical periods where pellagra was common, may also contribute to the fear.

Symptoms

Individuals with pellagrophobia may exhibit an irrational or excessive worry about eating a balanced diet that includes enough niacin. They might go to great lengths to avoid foods they perceive as being low in niacin, even if their diet is otherwise healthy. Symptoms of pellagrophobia can include anxiety, panic attacks, avoidance behavior, and in severe cases, malnutrition due to overly restrictive eating habits.

Treatment

Treatment for pellagrophobia, as with other specific phobias, may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals challenge and change their fearful thoughts about pellagra, and exposure therapy, which gradually and safely exposes them to the concept of pellagra in a controlled way to reduce fear. Nutritional counseling may also be beneficial to ensure that individuals maintain a balanced diet while managing their phobia.

See Also

• Phobia
• Niacin
• Vitamin deficiency
• Pellagra