Driving Phobia: What is it and How does it Develop?
For a variety of reasons, driving might make someone anxious. This is what you call driving phobia or anxiety. This anxiety can have an impact on a person’s daily life, whether they experience fear related to driving or being in a car. Anxiety may be fuel by past trauma or pre-existing anxiety disorders.
What you should know about driving phobia?
This article talks about possible causes of driving anxiety. Additionally, it looks at the condition’s signs and symptoms as well as possible therapies and other management options.
Why does driving anxiety exist?
A person may experience driving anxiety if they have a fear or phobia of driving. It can cause serious distress and have an effect on a person’s daily life. Driving can cause emotional distress, which can make one avoid specific scenarios on the road or just driving altogether.
According to a Trusted Source like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a particular phobia is an extreme and illogical dread of something that presents little to no genuine risk. According to estimates, 12.5% of American people (Trusted Source) have ever had a particular phobia.
The mere thought of going behind the wheel might make someone who has driving anxiety feel anxious. Additionally, a person might make an effort to stay out of circumstances that need them to operate a car. Even by itself, this may result in further stress or anxiety symptoms.
According to DSM-5:
It’s crucial to remember that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition does not list driving anxiety as a disorder (DSM-5). However, a person could suffer from a phobia related to driving phobia. Amaxophobia is the dread of being a passenger or driver in a car, and vehophobia is the fear of operating a motor vehicle.
Causes of driving anxiety:
Some persons may develop driving anxiety as a result of being involving in or witnessing a car accident. However, the majority of driving phobias are unrelated to having been in an accident, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
The following are some typical driving-relation phobias and anxiety triggers.
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History of bad experiences:
- A person can be concerned about a situation comparable to one they’ve previously had bad experiences in a car. Examples comprise:
- Travelling through unfavorable conditions such a storm, snow, or fog
- experiencing road rage
- Driving while having a panic attack
- becoming lost
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Anxiety disorders that are present:
If they have an anxiety problem, drivers may feel symptoms. For instance, GAD may make it difficult for a person to focus or make decisions while driving. A person might become less confident in their ability to drive as a result of this. Additionally, a person who is under a lot of stress or going through a lot of changes in their life may be more prone to driving anxiety.
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Driving alone in a strange area:
Some people could be afraid of running out of petrol, breaking down, or getting lost while driving. They might be concerning that if their phone loses signal, they won’t be able to call for assistance. People may also fear that they cannot see possible hazards clearly in the dark when they are driving alone at night or feel unsafe.
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I’m afraid I’ll die in an accident:
Fear might make someone think about worst-case scenarios and lose faith in their own or other drivers’ ability. Even if someone hasn’t personally been in a car accident, they could nevertheless worry about dying in one because of their imagination.
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Experiencing a panic attack while trapped:
People who already experience claustrophobia or other forms of anxiety about trapping could get anxious while stuck in traffic. People who have already experienced panic attacks may also worry that they may do so while driving.
Treatments:
Exposure therapy, CBT, and other talk therapies are possible treatments. Instead of driving, some people may opt to take the bus or walk. A person may think about discussing driving anxiety treatment with a medical practitioner.
Conclusion:
One specific phobia that can have an impact on someone’s mental health and lead to anxiety symptoms is driving anxiety. Additionally, it could limit a person’s regular activities.
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