Melophobia or Fear of Music : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Diagnosis

Melophobia or fear of music is one of the types of phobia in which the sufferer experiences severe anxiety and panic when he or she is exposed to loud music or many times normal music. The sufferer will do anything in their power to avoid music like isolate themselves from the world, avoid attending parties or even shopping malls just to avoid the music. This will lead to severe complications and it is suggested that the victims of this phobia should get treatment as soon as possible.

In most of the cases it has been observed that the causes for melophobia or fear of music are loud sound waves that crashes right through the middle ear, which include the thin member of ear drum, the tender, and also the very thin chains of bones that includes movable joints, cartilage, muscles and the tendons, all of which could be sprained, strained or overextended.

Signs and symptoms the melophobia or fear of music includes:

• Feeling of uncomfortable anxiety, whenever you think about music or else when you are exposed to music is the major symptom of melophobia or fear of music.
• The feeling that arises within you to do every possible in order to avoid music.
• The lack of ability to function normally in day to day life because for your anxiety.
• Frequently you will observe that your fears are reasonable or exaggerated but still you could not control them because of feeling powerless.

It is often seen that a person suffering from melophobia or fear of music may either play few or no music but the sufferers are unable to withstand a bit of it. The worst part is they are unable to interact with people in social parties or in their official gatherings or stores sites where music is generally preferred to be played. The person will experience death anxiety if they become aware of the fact that the lyrics content of the song has anything related to death.

There are many complications in melophobia or fear of music. People often develops an urge to flee to a lonely place where they could attain serenity. They start ignoring the crowd and enjoy their loneliness. They often develop the inability to speak or think clearly. It often leads to unnecessary screaming, weeping and trembling due to fear, anger, breathlessness, increased heart rate, apanic attack which at the end may cost the life of the patients.

There are no exact tests to diagnose melophobia or fear of music. You have to observe the symptoms and explain them to your doctor so that he/she can ask more questions related to the phobia and perform proper diagnosis for melophobia or fear of music properly.

Melophobia or fear of music can be treated by either compelling the suffers for learning such music which in reality has no effect or has an impact on the upcoming events. It could affect the person either in bad or good manner and then segregating varieties of music that would trigger negative and positive emotions. Listening to gentle and soft music has been considered as a positive method of treatment. However, some pseudo-scientific treatments options for treating melophobia or fear of music include psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) as well as energy psychology.

Some medicines can be prescribed to the patients but this fact cannot be ignored that such medications can have side effects and the impact may be severe. Various anti-anxiety drugs are available in the market like benzodiazepines, anti-depressants, beta-blockers, etc…

There is no sure way to prevent melophobia or fear of music. In order to fight against the fear, one should have a positive approach and mentally prepared at all the times. Melophobia or fear of music should be treated in an active manner by consulting a psychotherapist rather than thinking or lingering upon it as it creates more fear and anxiety which may even worsen the situation. Self-help is also a way to prevent or treat yourself of this issue. Self-evaluation and comparing the change in emotions when compared to expose to music would also help to develop a self-opinion. It will make the patient aware of one’s problem which he might be not be knowing.

It is often regarded that knowledge is power. So one gather various information about melophobia or fear of music as it may help in the long run. Classes and seminars should be preferred as a method for recovery. It may even enhance the knowledge which could be a rewarding experience.

Further attending various seminars and group discussions helps the patient to talk about melophobia or fear of music. Support group allows us to develop loving and caring bond from every end with the phobias and give a feeling of togetherness removing the loneliness. Hence a positive approach towards life arises once again as dwelling on phobia worsen the situations in life.

One should surround itself with supportive, positive and lively people, trusty ones to properly cope with melophobia or fear of music. Also include people who could have replied that they would provide assistance as well as feedback on the fear subject. Moreover, different magazines should be subscribed and books should be ordered that would provide information and various overcoming methods for it.

The recovery period/healing time for melophobia or fear of music depends on the mode of treatment and your doctor should be the one who can provide you with the approximate recovery time. The overall healing process takes some time as the problem is a little bit complex in nature. Consult your doctor for the recovery time and for further questions like the recurrence.

Also Read:

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• How Music can be a Secret Weapon to Reduce Daily Stress?
• Music Therapy for ADHD
• Music Therapy for Diabetes
• 10 Benefits of Music on Mental, Heart and Brain Health, Immunity, Pregnancy & More