Diokophobia, the fear of being chased, can turn a playful game of tag or a sudden pursuit into overwhelming panic. This intense, irrational fear affects how individuals engage with everyday activities, from sports to video games.

What Is Diokophobia?

Diokophobia, pronounced DEE-Oh-Koh POH-Bee-Uh, is a specific phobia characterized by an extreme fear of being pursued by someone or something, even when the pursuit poses no real threat. Unlike fear of a specific pursuer (e.g., a dog), diokophobia centers on the act of being chased itself, often triggering panic, freezing, or defensive reactions. The term, derived from the Greek word “dioko” (to pursue), was coined online to describe this phobia, as noted in a 2018 Urban Dictionary entry1. A 2024 Journal of Anxiety Disorders study explains that specific phobias, like diokophobia, involve exaggerated fear responses to defined triggers, processed in the brain’s amygdala2.

For instance, someone with diokophobia might feel terror during a friendly game of tag, unable to play due to an adrenaline spike, or avoid video games with chase scenes, as described in Reddit discussions3. At Still Mind, we help clients understand this fear and develop strategies to cope.

Signs of Diokophobia

Diokophobia manifests through distinct physical and psychological symptoms, often disproportionate to the situation. A 2024 Frontiers in Psychiatry article outlines that specific phobias cause immediate anxiety responses, including rapid heart rate and avoidance behaviors4. Social media accounts, like Reddit posts, describe individuals freezing or crying during non-threatening pursuits3.

Common signs include:

  • Panic or terror – Feeling overwhelming fear when chased, even in playful contexts.
  • Physical reactions – Experiencing sweating, trembling, or a racing heart during pursuit.
  • Freezing or fleeing – Becoming immobilized or running impulsively to escape.
  • Avoidance – Steering clear of games, sports, or media involving chases.
  • Hypervigilance – Constantly scanning for potential pursuers, even in safe settings.

A person might curl up during a chase in a game, unable to continue, or feel dread watching a movie with pursuit scenes. Our therapists work with clients to recognize these signs and build resilience.

How Diokophobia Affects Daily Life

Diokophobia can disrupt daily life by restricting participation in social, recreational, or even professional activities. A 2023 Psychology Today article notes that specific phobias often lead to avoidance that narrows life experiences5. Online forums highlight how individuals with diokophobia avoid games like tag, sports requiring pursuit, or horror video games due to intense fear3.

For example, a child might refuse to join peers in playground games, leading to isolation, or an adult might avoid team sports, missing bonding opportunities. In extreme cases, hypervigilance—such as panicking when someone approaches quickly—can strain relationships or work performance. Therapy at Still Mind helps clients navigate these challenges, fostering confidence to engage fully in life.

Why Does Diokophobia Develop?

Diokophobia, like other specific phobias, stems from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. A 2023 Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews study explains that phobias often arise from heightened amygdala activity, which exaggerates threat perception6. Traumatic experiences, such as being chased by an animal or person, can trigger diokophobia, as noted in Reddit accounts linking childhood incidents to the fear7.

Other factors include genetic predispositions to anxiety, as some individuals inherit a tendency for heightened fear responses. Exposure to media, fear-mongering, like horror movies with chase scenes, or cultural narratives emphasizing pursuit can amplify the fear. We explore these origins to create personalized treatment plans that address root causes.

Mental Health Connections to Diokophobia

Diokophobia frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions, amplifying its impact. A 2024 Journal of Clinical Psychology study links specific phobias to generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as fear of pursuit may stem from past trauma8.

For example, someone with a history of being chased during a traumatic event might develop diokophobia, as described in a LinkedIn post connecting the phobia to anxiety9.

Childhood trauma, such as being bullied or attacked, can also heighten vulnerability. These connections underscore the need for comprehensive assessments to address both diokophobia and related conditions, ensuring holistic care.

How Is Diokophobia Identified?

Diokophobia is identified as a specific phobia within the context of anxiety disorders. A 2023 American Journal of Psychiatry article outlines that clinicians use structured interviews and tools like the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) to evaluate phobia symptoms10. Therapists at Still Mind assess clients’ reactions to pursuit, such as panic during games or avoidance of chase-related media, to confirm diokophobia.

Clients might describe intense fear when followed unexpectedly, even by a pet, as noted in Reddit posts3. This evaluation, conducted empathetically, rules out other conditions like agoraphobia or social phobia, ensuring accurate identification and targeted treatment.

Treatment Options for Diokophobia

Treatment for diokophobia focuses on reducing fear responses and increasing tolerance to pursuit. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure therapy, is highly effective. A 2024 Journal of Anxiety Disorders study confirms that gradual exposure to chase-related scenarios desensitizes fear responses2. Clients might start by imagining a chase, progressing to watching chase scenes or playing tag.

Other approaches include:

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Calms physical reactions through breathing and grounding techniques.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Addresses trauma-related triggers for diokophobia.
  • Medication – Anti-anxiety medications, like SSRIs, may support severe cases.

Group therapy offers shared experiences, helping clients feel less alone. We tailor treatments to empower clients to face their fears confidently.

Living Well with Diokophobia

Managing diokophobia involves building coping skills and gradually facing triggers. A 2023 Psychological Services study highlights mindfulness and self-soothing techniques, like deep breathing, as effective for phobia management11. Journaling about fear triggers can also increase self-awareness.

Practical steps include practicing relaxation during low-stakes pursuits, like playful chases with trusted friends, or watching chase scenes with support. Building a strong support network helps counter avoidance. Setbacks are part of the process, but small victories—like joining a game—foster progress. We guide clients to live fully despite diokophobia.

Find Support with Still Mind

Diokophobia can make even harmless pursuits feel terrifying, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you or someone you know struggles with the fear of being chased, Still Mind Behavioral Mental Health provides expert, compassionate support.

Call us at (561) 783-5507. Let’s work together to overcome fear and embrace freedom.

References

  1. Diokophobia Definition – Urban Dictionary, 2018.
  2. Specific Phobias and Treatment – Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2024.
  3. Personal Accounts of Diokophobia – Reddit r/Phobia, 2018.
  4. Phobia Symptoms and Mechanisms – Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2024.
  5. Impact of Specific Phobias – Psychology Today, 2023.
  6. Neurological Basis of Phobias – Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2023.
  7. Trauma and Diokophobia – Reddit r/DoesAnybodyElse, 2022.
  8. Phobias and Co-occurring Disorders – Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2024.
  9. Diokophobia and Anxiety – LinkedIn, 2021.
  10. Assessment of Anxiety Disorders – American Journal of Psychiatry, 2023.
  11. Coping Strategies for Phobias – Psychological Services, 2023.