Scopophobia: Coping With Anxiety From Staring (2024)

Scopophobia, or scoptophobia, is the fear of being stared at or looked at. It makes people anxious and more likely to avoid crowds, but it's different from social anxiety because people with social anxiety can experience a variety of social phobias. Symptoms of scopophobia may be debilitating but there are ways to cope and treat associated feelings of anxiety.

This article will explore the link between scopophobia and anxiety, the treatment options for scopophobia, and where to locate resources for coping.

Link Between Scopophobia, Eye Contact, and Anxiety

It’s not unusual for someone to experience uncomfortable feelings when being stared at. Scopophobia is more severe than this, however. It is overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. It can be a symptom of social anxiety or social anxiety disorder (SAD).

If you live with a social anxiety disorder, you may feel like someone looking at you means they are judging or criticizing you. This may cause you to avoid social situations and making eye contact with others.

Causes

Like other phobias, the exact causes of scopophobia are not clear. While scopophobia is often associated with anxiety disorders, several factors may contribute to this phobia.

Traumatic Experiences

Traumatic experiences in feared situations like social settings serve as a direct learning experience. It can trigger chronic fear as a way of trying to protect you from the same or similar experiences in the future. Bullying is one example.

Genetics or a Family History

Older research has suggested if a family member has a phobia, you have an increased risk of developing a phobia as well.

A more recent study, from 2017, published in the journal of Psychiatry Genetics, provides further evidence that a specific gene—the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4—is involved in the development of anxiety-related traits.

Risk Factors

Social anxiety or social anxiety disorder is a risk factor for experiencing scopophobia, but it’s not the only associated condition.

Examples of disorders or conditions that may increase risk of scopophobia include:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Movement disorders
• Epilepsy
• Tourette's syndrome

Having a low self-esteem or a high level of self-consciousness about certain physical features like a disfigurement or a noticeable impairment may also heighten the risk of developing scopophobia.

Is Scopophobia an Official Diagnosis?

Scopophobia is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Someone with symptoms of scopophobia lasting six months or longer and causing significant distress would be diagnosed with a specific phobia.

If you’re wondering if your symptoms fit the criteria for specific phobia, you can use the free screening tool from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It's not a diagnostic tool, but offers information that can help you start the conversation with a healthcare provider.

Initiating Scopophobia Treatment

Specific phobias like scopophobia respond well to a variety of treatments including self-help, psychotherapy (talk therapy) and prescription medication. Further support symptoms and resources are also helpful.

On Your Own

Coping is possible. Here are some expert tips adapted from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America:

• Learn what is triggering your scopophobia.
• Accept that you cannot control other people.
• Reach out to supportive family and friends.
• Forget perfection because it isn’t possible.
• Focus on your strengths.
• Practice breathing techniques.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Avoid anxiety-producing substances like alcohol and caffeine.
• Explore relaxation techniques.

With the Help of a Provider

Sometimes people need additional support to cope with phobias. Options include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help identity and change negative thought patterns contributing to your phobia. CBT can be done individually, with family, or in group settings. CBT is highly efficient and effective for treating social anxiety and phobias.
• Exposure therapy is a type of CBT in which you’re gradually exposed to your phobia in ways that help reduce associated fear.
• Antidepressant or antianxiety medications: Certain prescription drugs can help reduce symptoms contributing to phobias.

Support Systems and Resources

There are other support systems and resources available for people living with phobias. Most of these options can be found through a quick Internet search or by talking with your healthcare provider and reaching out to your local mental health organization. They include:

• Online peer-to-peer communities that provide support by connecting people with similar experiences
• In-person support groups for people living with anxiety and specific phobias
• Organizations offering resources in which to access free information
• Books and blogs sharing lived experiences to reduce feelings of isolation

Symptoms: How Does Scopophobia Feel?

Symptoms of scopophobia are both psychological (emotional) and physical. They include:

• Overwhelming fear
• Avoiding social situations (i.e., avoidant behaviors)
• Significant distress
• Feelings of panic or panic attack
• Impending sense of doom or danger
• Racing heart or heart palpitations
• Sweating, shaking, trembling
• Digestive upset and nausea
• Irritability or restlessness
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  

Easing Into Crowds and Building Social Skills

People with scopophobia don’t necessarily lack social skills, but they may experience such overwhelming fear that it interferes with social interactions.

Easing into crowds and building stronger social skills may help you feel less stress and more confident. Social skills training is an option for learning how to navigate and better manage social situations, including making eye contact and being looked at, even if experiencing fear.

Summary

Scopophobia is a phobia where someone experiences extreme fear of being looked at or stared at. It’s linked to social anxiety and other conditions. Symptoms resemble those of other anxiety disorders and can interfere with someone’s ability to be in crowds or engage in social settings.

Coping with scopophobia can include a combination of self-care, therapy, medication, and skills building or strengthening.