Phobiapedia

Boo! Did I scare you? That's unfortunate. Anyway, Welcome to Phobiapedia!

READ MORE

Phobiapedia
Register
Advertisement
Siderodromophobia

A character who is associated with the fear of trains.

Siderodromophobia (from the Greek sidêros, "iron", and dromos, "run") is the fear of trains or railways. It has been diagnosed only rarely in comparison to other phobias, though it may simply be underreported. Some patients are afraid of derailments and railway accidents, whereas others are afraid of unknown conductors or other railway employees. Siderodromophobia can be caused by traumatic experiences or can develop over time such as with other phobias like ochophobia (fear of vehicles). Some patients suffer from panic attacks, from an increased heartbeat rate, cold sweat or digestion problems, while others start crying, freeze or flee. Without treatment it can get worse, so that the patients cannot cross a railway crossing, walk along a station or get frightened if they hear the whistle or horn of a train.

Sufferers cannot use trains, instead they would have to get around in a road vehicle. Some cannot even enjoy tourist attractions, such as theme parks, railway museums, or historic sites, which contain railway tracks. Siderodromophobia can easily be treated with good results. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used, by which the thoughts and responses are changed from negative to positive. In addition psychotherapy and medical treatment can be applied. The effect of hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming has been scientifically assessed, but there are no clear conclusions.

Advertisement