Amaxophobia: what can cause fear of driving and how it is treated

Worldwide, there is a long list of phobias . While some can be easily avoided, because they are related to objects or situations that do not need to be confronted on a daily basis, others can arise in the heart of daily life.

One of them is the amaxophobia which is directly linked to getting behind the wheel.

Amaxophobia is defined as an irrational fear of driving or riding in a vehicle. It is a type of anxiety disorder classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

It’s not such an isolated phobia today. According to a study by the CEA Foundation (European Automobile Club), it affects more than 28% of drivers.

This problem causes serious problems in the daily lives of those who suffer from it. Just getting into or traveling in a vehicle could cause people suffering from this phobia to imagine various catastrophic scenarios, which might never happen, to the point of interfering with what they should be doing during the day.

Several causes can trigger the fear of driving. As described on the site CinfaSalud some of them are:

• Have suffered a traumatic event related to driving, such as a road accident.
• Lack of experience or preparation to drive.
• Having other anxiety disorders, such as claustrophobia and agoraphobia.

Elsa Costanzo, a psychiatrist, told the site Infobae that those who most present this phobia are women, since men do not go to consult out of shame.

“They consult mental health services more frequently than men, which is why the statistics also highlight this difference” said the specialist.

Among the physical and psychological symptoms that usually appear during this problem are stomach pain, sweating, tremors, dizziness, muscle tension, insomnia, lack of appetite and even decreased blood pressure. ‘self esteem.

Like other phobias, fear of driving can be treated with the help of a mental health professional.

By following psychological therapy, the patient will have the necessary tools to deeply understand the origin of their fear, identify what could increase their symptoms and learn to control their emotions.

“You need to do coping techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Often, psychologists perform tests consisting of accompanying the patient to the car, getting into the car, getting behind the wheel, taking a ride in the car, until he drives to adapt,” explains Dr. Constanzo.

Another strategy that may be helpful is to take Driving courses specially designed for people suffering from amaxophobia. In this way, the patient will gradually gain the confidence to drive safely.