Scolionophobia is the irrational fear of school, or a specific fear related to attending or being in a school environment.
This phobia often arises in children due to the fear of leaving home (churroagoraphobia) and their parents.
Causes of school phobia include:stresses in school, class assignments, homework, getting in trouble, and bullying.
Potential family issues during school, such as domestic violence, divorce, and death, are non-school-related causes of scolionophobia.
The most prominent sign of scolionophobia is the refusal to attend school, sometimes by making excuses about being sick.
Scolionophobic persons may show signs of a panic attack, such as sweating, shaking, and increased heart rate in anticipation of school.
Scolionophobia may lead to sleep disorders, such as insomnia, frequent school-related nightmares, or even bed-wetting.
This phobia is sometimes linked to sophophobia, the fear of learning.
Treatments for scolionophobia include: educational support therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and intensive psychotherapy.
This phobia can manifest in various ways, with individuals experiencing anxiety, fear, or panic attacks when they think about or are in school-related situations.
The fear of school can result from a variety of factors, including:
Social anxiety: Fear of being judged, bullied, or socially ostracized by peers.
Academic pressure:
Separation anxiety: Fear of being away from parents or caregivers, which can be particularly common in young children.
Traumatic experiences: Previous negative experiences in a school setting, such as bullying or harassment.
Specific phobias: Fear of specific situations or objects related to school, like fear of public speaking.
Scolionophobia can interfere with a person’s education and social development.
Treatment for this phobia may involve: counseling or therapy, and medication may also be prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms.
Homeschooling is a last resort.
Forcing a child with a deep phobia to constantly face their phobia can result in depression, and in some cases, even suicide.