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Any irrational fear of a specific thing is a phobia. The fear of mushrooms is called Mycophobia. There are valid reasons to stay away from mushrooms and nearly all of us manage to do so without any difficulty. To the sufferer of a fear of mushrooms, the childhood instruction about the dangers of some wild fungi has evolved into a phobia. Mycophobes' fear has gone beyond basic caution or safety.

Any irrational fear of a specific thing is a phobia. The fear of mushrooms is called Mycophobia. There are valid reasons to stay away from mushrooms and nearly all of us manage to do so without any difficulty. To the sufferer of a fear of mushrooms, the childhood instruction about the dangers of some wild fungi has evolved into a phobia. Mycophobes' fear has gone beyond basic caution or safety.

Agoraphobics are often unable to lead a normal life. Other phobias have varying impacts on normal lives. A fear of mushrooms is only a small inconvenience for most mycophobes who have learned to avoid unexpected mushrooms. When the fear of mushrooms causes screams and immobility the life of the mycophobe becomes a daily challenge.

How often do we encounter mushrooms in our daily lives? Most of us cannot even remember when we last saw a mushroom. If we suffered from a fear of mushrooms we would realize there are daily encounters with mushrooms in one form or another. A mushroom can "jump out" in unexpected places and cause an irrational fear reaction. A short walk along a sidewalk beside a mushroom can be nearly impossible to a mycophobe.

The fear of mushrooms can take many forms. The most severely affected individuals will fear the sight and touch of mushrooms and the idea of eating one is almost enough to cause panic. A meal in a nice restaurant becomes impossible without subjecting the waiter to a "third degree" about what the ingredients are in the menu dishes.

With the widespread use of mushrooms in cooking, a meal in a nice restaurant presents a chore for the mycophobe. A fear of mushrooms will require an intense questioning of the waiter about what is in each of the menu selections.

Most people with a fear of mushrooms manage to have normal lives by learning to avoid places where unplanned encounters can occur. Mild fear reactions are easily disguised. When a fear of mushrooms is having a major impact on a person's life there are treatment options. One way to find help is with internet search. Some self-treatment methods are available but consulting a professional is always the best first step.