Aerophobia, also called aviophobia, is a phobia of specific situations defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)the American Psychiatric Association’s professional reference book on mental health and brain-related conditions.
It is an intense and persistent fear or anxiety related to air travel that lasts at least six months and is out of proportion to the actual risk, according to Sharon Batista, MDassistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
“Severity ranges from mild apprehension to complete avoidance of flying, and some people experience significant life limitations, including the inability to travel for work or family emergencies,” he says.
The causes of fear of flying vary. However, fear is often rooted in a combination of past experiences, thought patterns, and biological sensitivity, says Dr. Batista.
“A turbulent flight or hearing about an accident can condition a person to associate flying with danger,” he says. “Brain factors, such as an overactive fear response and family history of anxiety, can increase vulnerability. Accident reports in the media can reinforce fear.”
Fear of flying can also intersect with other phobias, such as claustrophobia (fear of small spaces) and acrophobia (fear of heights), says Dr. Faynboym.
For people who suffer from panic disorder (which involves frequent and unexpected panic attacks, along with agoraphobia), the fear of being trapped in places with no way to escape in the event of a panic attack, the main fear related to air travel has less to do with the safety of flying and more to do with having a panic attack in an environment where escape is impossible.
