CHRONOPHOBIA IS CHARACTERIZED BY A FEAR OF TIME - Chronophobia is characterized by the fear of the passage of time usually, because people fear that their time on Earth is limited or have trouble tracking its passing. Even though time isn't fully concrete, some may consider it as a type of "specific phobia," similar to how one would fear a cat or snake. Some experience chronophobia, the fear of time, more than others. In fact, since it is so common in prison populations it is sometimes known as "prison neurosis." The elderly, as well as people facing terminal illnesses who worry that their time on Earth may be limited, may also face this fear. Time becomes their enemy, and they fear it because its passing will ultimately lead to their death. The fear of time also sometimes presents in the wake of severe trauma, such as a natural disaster, particularly if the daily routine is seriously disrupted. It is also relatively common among shipwreck survivors and others who are trapped in a high-anxiety situation with no familiar means of tracking the passage of time. In fact, a sense of a foreshortened future has previously been used as one of the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Chronophobia is marked by a sense of derealization in which time seems to speed up or slow down. Some people develop circular thought patterns, racing thoughts, and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Chronophobia Is Characterized by a Fear of Time

By Lisa Fritscher 

Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD 

Chronophobia is characterized by the fear of the passage of time, usually, because people fear that their time on Earth is limited or have trouble tracking its passing.

Even though time isn't fully concrete, some may consider it as a type of "specific phobia," similar to how one would fear a cat or snake.

Prevalence of Chronophobia

Some populations experience chronophobia, the fear of time, more than others.

In fact, since it is so common in prison populations it is sometimes known as "prison neurosis."

The elderly, as well as people facing terminal illnesses who worry that their time on Earth may be limited, may also face this fear.

Time becomes their enemy, and they fear it because its passing will ultimately lead to their death.

The fear of time also sometimes presents in the wake of severe trauma, such as a natural disaster, particularly if the daily routine is seriously disrupted. 

It is also relatively common among shipwreck survivors and others who are trapped in a high-anxiety situation with no familiar means of tracking the passage of time.

In fact, a sense of a foreshortened future has previously been used as one of the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Symptoms

Chronophobia is marked by a sense of derealization in which time seems to speed up or slow down.

Some people develop circular thought patterns, racing thoughts, and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Prisoners often mark down the days until their release.

Many victims will also experience panic, anxiety, and claustrophobia, which are common symptoms of most phobias as well as common reactions to trauma.

Panic attacks, sweating, shortness of breath, and even persistently haunting thoughts are also often reported, but only in extreme cases.

Treatments

In extreme cases, untreated chronophobia can lead to isolation, depression, and even increasingly disordered thinking.

It is important to seek advice from a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible.

Chronophobia responds well to such standard phobia treatments as cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy.

As it is closely linked with other disorders, however, it is best to diagnose and treat all concurrent conditions simultaneously.

In some cases, psychiatrists may prescribe medications, but psychotherapy remains the primary treatment for phobias.

Prevention of Chronophobia

Since the fear of time is often caused by situations that cannot be fully controlled, like illness, it is difficult to prevent.

More general anxiety and stress management techniques also exist.

Lisa Fritscher

Writer

Expertise

Phobias

Education

University of South Florida, Polk State College

Highlights

Experienced in community mental health

Case management and hands-on care at various mental health facilities

Experience

Lisa Fritscher is a former writer for Verywell Mind covering phobias. Lisa first became interested in mental health during her childhood, when she frequently accompanied her mother, a therapist, to work at the Winter Haven Hospital Community Mental Health Center. With years of familiarity in the field, it was only natural that Lisa would follow in her mother's footsteps. Her diverse experiences include both case management and hands-on patient care at a variety of residential and outpatient facilities.

Education

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of South Florida.

Steven Gans, MD

Review Board Member

 Psychiatrist

Expertise

Psychiatry, Psychotherapy

Education

Harvard Medical School, Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, Rush University Medical College, Massachusetts General Hospital

Highlights

Assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School

Attending psychiatrist at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA, where he leads a team-based approach to the management and recovery of patients with serious mental illnesses

Board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

I am thrilled to be involved with Verywell in their mission to bring accurate and accessible information regarding health issues to everyone. This is an especially crucial time that the information available to the public in understanding their health is factual, clear, and contextually useful.”

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fear-of-time-2671776