Dysmorphophobia is another name for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). It involves a distressing preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance that other people may barely notice or not see at all. It is not simply a specific phobia of physical flaws.

Possible triggers

Looking in a mirror, being photographed or anticipating others noticing a feature you are concerned about.

Name origin

The historical name combines Greek dysmorphia (ugliness) with -phobia (fear). It describes a concern about appearance, not a judgement about how someone looks.

The name refers to fear of bacilli, a term used for rod-shaped bacteria.

Possible triggers

Reading about bacteria, seeing a microscopic image or worrying that a surface carries bacteria.

Name origin

Combines bacillus with Greek-derived -phobia (fear). Bacillus comes from Latin for a little staff, reflected in the rod shape of these bacteria.

A fear of baldness can affect everyday situations involving bald head, hair loss, shaved head and bald person. It may lead to self-monitoring, avoiding mirrors, photographs, grooming or close contact, seeking reassurance, or changing social plans because of appearance-related fear.

Related name: Phalacrophobia refers specifically to fear of becoming bald.

Possible triggers

Noticing hair shedding, seeing a thinning area or discussing future hair loss.

Name origin

From Greek pelas (near bald) and -phobia.

A fear of balloons can affect everyday situations involving balloon popping, inflated balloon, burst balloon and balloon. It may lead to avoiding touching, using or being near the object, asking others to deal with it, changing routines, or checking surroundings for the trigger.

Possible triggers

Entering a room decorated with balloons, watching one being inflated or anticipating a balloon bursting.

Name origin

From Latin globus (sphere) and -phobia.

A fear of bathing or washing can affect everyday situations involving bathroom routine, showering, bathing and washing. It may lead to delaying or avoiding ordinary routines, relying on other people to complete them, or arranging the day around not having to face the trigger.

Possible triggers

Preparing to shower, running a bath or beginning a washing routine.

Name origin

From Latin ablutio (washing) and -phobia.

A fear of bats can affect everyday situations involving night flying animal, bat in house, bat flying and bat noise. It may lead to scanning surroundings, avoiding places where the animal might appear, asking other people to check or deal with it, or leaving suddenly when one is seen.

Possible triggers

Seeing bats at dusk, visiting a bat display or noticing a bat near a building.

Name origin

From Greek cheir (hand) and pteron (wing) referring to bats, with -phobia.

A fear of beards can affect work, social events, public places and interactions with people who have facial hair. It may lead to keeping your distance, avoiding particular people or places, or becoming preoccupied with whether someone with a beard will be present.

Possible triggers

Meeting someone with a beard, seeing close-up beard images or sitting near a bearded person.

Name origin

From Greek pogon (beard) and -phobia.

Fear of bees can make encounters with bees, buzzing sounds or hives distressing. Concern about being stung may be part of the fear. A known sting allergy also involves a genuine medical risk, which should not be dismissed as a phobia.

Possible triggers

Hearing buzzing nearby, seeing bees around flowers or sitting where bees are visiting plants.

Name origin

From Greek melissa (bee) and -phobia.

Also known as

Apiphobia

A fear of being alone can affect time at home, travel, evenings, sleep and situations where another person is not immediately available. It may lead to changing plans, seeking constant contact or reassurance, or avoiding activities that would involve spending time by yourself.

Possible triggers

A companion leaving the house, spending an evening alone or anticipating a night without company.

Name origin

From Greek monos (alone) and -phobia.

Also known as

Autophobia, Eremophobia, Isolophobia

A fear of being a passenger can affect everyday situations involving bus ride, train journey, packed bus and car journey. It may lead to avoiding certain journeys, routes or vehicles, planning extensively, relying on other people for transport, or cancelling trips altogether.

Possible triggers

Getting into the passenger seat, letting someone else drive or anticipating a journey without control of the vehicle.

Name origin

Derived from Greek roots relating to vehicles and -phobia.