Definition
Acrophobia is the fear of heights and high places, such as high floors of buildings, mountain peaks and balconies.
Unlike vertigo, the sufferer manifests a typical anxiety crisis: the subject is assailed by anxiety, discomfort or strong fear that makes access to such places intolerable or impossible. The physical symptoms most frequently associated with acrophobia are: tachycardia, difficulty breathing, cold sweats and tremors.
Acrophobia occurs even when direct upward means of transport (elevators or roller coasters) are used and when one is completely surrounded by safety measures or some protection (such as balustrades, railings or window panes).
Acrophobia can manifest itself in an isolated form or be linked to different psychopathological conditions, including phobic neurosis and phobic-obsessive disorder.
Often, acrophobia is a passing phenomenon, destined to disappear spontaneously. In some cases, however, this phobia requires the use of psychotherapy or behavioral therapy.
Possible Causes * of Acrophobia
- Panic attack
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
