How Do You Diagnose Xenophobia (Fear Of Strangers)?
Imagine being completely afraid to go to the bank, the grocery store, or travel to a new country or city. People who suffer from xenophobia (a fear of strangers) are all too familiar with the anxiety provoking experience of being in the presence of people they do not know. Following are some steps to help you diagnose true xenophobia from a less severe form of social anxiety and begin the road to overcoming this pervasive and limiting mental disorder. Determine the severity of the fear to assess whether or not it is merely a fear or true xenophobia. Ask whether the person is afraid of strangers at homes or in familiar places, or if he is afraid of all strangers anywhere, anytime. Assess the severity of the fear while taking in factors that could influence a relatively normal fear of strange persons. Many people are afraid of walking into a situation and not knowing anyone, but panic does not ensue. Determine the duration or course of the symptoms by taking an inventory to discover if i
