Uncovering the Secret Behind “Trypophobia”

The Quirky Fear of Holes: New Insights into Trypophobia Affecting 15% of the Global Population

Humans experience countless fears, ranging from fear of the dark, heights, spiders, and water. Recently, scientists have confirmed the existence of a syndrome that affects approximately 15% of the global population: trypophobia.

This syndrome was initially not recognized as a medical condition.

First identified in 2005, this syndrome was not immediately acknowledged by the medical community as a legitimate condition. However, many individuals report feeling intense fear when confronted with holes. Symptoms can include goosebumps, irregular heartbeats, and even shortness of breath.

Through various studies, researchers have pinpointed the cause of this peculiar syndrome to be overload in the brain.

Even bubbles in a coffee cup can sometimes trigger their discomfort. (Image: Getty Images).

According to Paul Hibbard, a psychology professor at the University of Essex in the UK, images featuring holes can be quite unsettling, causing the area responsible for processing visual information to function inefficiently.

As a result, the brain demands more oxygen to process the information. However, for some individuals, this excessive oxygen request can lead to brain overload, prompting reactions such as dizziness and nausea, effectively forcing them to stop looking.

Researchers are continuing to explore the mechanisms behind this syndrome. Initially, it is believed that the cause relates to evolutionary processes, as images of holes may evoke similar feelings to seeing mold on food.

This discomfort when viewing such shapes may help humans avoid potentially toxic foods.

• The Origins of Trypophobia