Pteridophobia is an extreme fear of ferns. Someone with this condition might be scared of any place that could contain ferns, such as parks or forests. It can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. Psychotherapy can help you manage this fear.
Pteridophobia (pronounced “ter-i-doh-foh-bee-uh”) is a fear of ferns. Someone with pteridophobia may have extreme worry if they see a fern, either in person or in a picture or video. They may also develop anxiety at the thought or mention of ferns. It’s a type of botanophobia, which is a fear of plants.
Like other phobias, pteridophobia can vary in severity. The condition may not have a huge effect on someone’s life if it’s easy for them to avoid ferns on a daily basis. But if they’re exposed to ferns, such as working in an environment with potted indoor ferns, their fear can be disruptive and debilitating.
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Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder called specific phobic disorders. They cause an overwhelming fear or worry about certain activities, objects or situations. How common is pteridophobia?
Pteridophobia isn’t very common. Phobic disorders as a whole affect about 12% of adults and 19% of adolescents in the U.S. They’re approximately twice as common in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) than in people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Examples of more common phobias include claustrophobia (fear of crowded, confined spaces) and ophidiophobia (fear of snakes).
Pteridophobia, like other phobic disorders, can have a variety of triggers. This fear may be related to:
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Someone who’s afraid of ferns may avoid places where there could be ferns, such as forests, gardens, parks or office buildings. They avoid looking at pictures of ferns or mentioning ferns. They might see real ferns, artificial ferns or both as threatening. Pteridophobia may prevent someone from doing their job effectively, participating in family activities or going to social events.
Pteridophobia can also cause panic attacks, which may lead to:
There isn’t a blood test or exam that can detect pteridophobia. Like other phobias, it can be difficult to diagnose because it can overlap with other mental health disorders such as:
If you think you have pteridophobia, tell your healthcare provider. They’ll review your symptoms and ask you detailed questions about your fear of ferns. Try to answer as honestly as possible; the information will help your healthcare provider build the most effective treatment plan.
Your healthcare provider may diagnose you with pteridophobia if you:
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There’s a variety of ways to manage a fear of ferns, including:
There isn’t a way to prevent pteridophobia, but you can take steps to reduce the negative effects it has on your life. You may benefit from:
Most people respond well to treatments such as CBT and exposure therapy. Therapy may last for months or years, depending on the severity of your fear. You may be able to stop treatment once your symptoms improve.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Pteridophobia is a fear of ferns. It isn’t that common, but for people who suffer from the condition, the fear can be debilitating and disruptive to their lives. Most people with pteridophobia respond well to treatment. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider so you can find safe, healthy ways to manage the condition.
Last reviewed on 06/11/2022.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy