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Toys

Example image of the kids toys

WARNING: This page contains references to child abuse, if you are triggered by such references, skip the 'Causes' section.

Ludilophobia (from Esperanto word ludilo, "toy") or teganophobia (from Welsh tegan meaning "toy") is the fear of toys.

Causes[]

Since toys are directed mainly to young children, this phobia is mainly suffered by those age group. The fear is often triggered due to bad experiences while playing toys, such as the stress over breaking or losing them, toy forms of things that look threatening or scary, like toy guns, or even toy creatures that children may believe to become animated, such as stuffed animals, puppets and dolls. Exposure to horror media with frightening toys is also a likely cause. Sufferers often avoid playing with toys and cry. Since children usually don't know how to cope with fear, parents may help guide them, often by representing toys to them.

While adults with this fear are less reported, they can still suffer the same lingering fears or stress as they did in childhood. It is important to note that as adults, the fear of toys may be in conjunction with other phobias, such as the fear of children (pedophobia) . It is also possible that the sufferer may fear embarrassment over being seen with the toys and being seen as childish, or being reminded of their childhood. In such case, ludilophobia is likely part of a bigger issue, such as an anxiety disorder, social phobia, or childhood trauma. Adults with this phobia are likely to avoid toys, and are made uncomfortable and anxious when confronted with toys.  

Some recalled (or subconsciously repressed) memories by adult sufferers may include; their toys being thrown away or otherwise destroyed, being lured or distracted with toys during abuse, growing up in hoarder homes with hoards of toys, being belittled when seen playing with toys, and other disturbing behaviors or experiences with toys.

Ludilophobia is considered a branch of ludophobia, which is the fear of participating in games. So it is also possible that the fear of toys stems from the implication of playing with such toys.

Treatment[]

Remember to always consult with a doctor before taking any treatment.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), many people with a phobia don’t need treatment and avoiding the object of their fear is enough to control the problem. However, it may not always be possible to avoid certain phobias, such as a fear of toys. In this instance, you may decide to get professional help and advice to find out about treatment options. Most phobias are treatable, but no single treatment is guaranteed to work for all phobias. In some cases, a combination of different treatments may be recommended. The main treatment types are:

  1. Self-help techniques
  2. Talking treatments
  3. Medication

Talking treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are often very effective at treating phobias. CBT is a type of counselling that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It can be used to develop practical ways of dealing with your phobia. One part of the CBT treatment process that’s often used to treat simple phobias involves gradual exposure to your fear, so you feel less anxious about it. This is known as desensitisation or exposure therapy. For example, if you have a fear of toys, your therapist may start by asking you to read about toys. They may later show you a picture of a toy. They may then arrange for you to visit a toy store to look at some real toys. The final step would be for you to hold a toy. Exposure therapy works by gradually increasing the level of exposure to your fear, which allows you to gain control over your phobia. As the treatment progresses, you should begin to feel less anxious about your phobia.

Medication isn’t usually recommended for treating phobias, because talking therapies are usually effective and don’t have any side effects. However, medication may sometimes be prescribed to treat the effects of phobias, such as anxiety. There are different types of medication that may be prescribed. Antidepressants are often prescribed to help reduce anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are most often prescribed to treat anxiety, social phobia or panic disorder 1.

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