annavonblack asked: Dear Duane, Is PHILOPHOBIA a legit phobia? If can you explain this bad boy because if it is I find it to be borderline twilight zone interesting in a slightly creepy yet intriguing way. With warmth and affection, Anna Von Black
Anna Von Black,
There is no official diagnosis for Philophobia in the DSM-IV. However depending on the person, I would say that if someone was scared to be loved or to give love, it would fall as a Social Phobia brought on by Anxiety Disorder. There would also need to be work in the context of trust and attachment with the individual. This is all speculation though as I do not know this hypothetical individual. I would suggest CBT if this person wants to experience “LOVE” - however they make that word mean.
Thanks for your question,
-Duane
