Androphobia

Androphobia is a specific phobia characterized by an excessive and persistent fear of men. The term comes from the Greek word andros (man) and phobos (fear). People with this condition often feel intense anxiety when in the presence of men, or even when seeing images of men. ^[1]

While androphobia is distinct from misandry, which refers to hatred of men, the two are sometimes confused. ^[2] The fear can significantly interfere with a person’s social, professional and personal life.

Although androphobia is not listed as a separate diagnosis in the 2013 edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but its features are similar to other specific phobias. ^[2]

Signs and symptoms

People with androphobia may experience symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe panic attacks. Common reactions include rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, dizziness, difficulty speaking, muscle tension and a strong urge to escape. ^[1]

In children, symptoms may involve crying, screaming or running away from men. Nightmares or intrusive thoughts involving men are also reported in some cases. ^[2]

The phobia can affect relationships and, in some cases, the sufferer’s sex life. Some women with androphobia may feel unable to communicate feelings of intimacy, leading to isolation or depression. ^[3]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made by a mental health professional after evaluating symptoms against the general criteria for specific phobias. Indicators include fear persisting for at least six months, avoidance behaviors, and disproportionate anxiety compared to the actual level of threat. ^[1]

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, criteria for specific phobias emphasize persistent, immediate fear responses and functional impairment. ^[4]

Causes

Causes of androphobia vary and can include childhood trauma, sexual assault, bullying or negative experiences with male authority figures. ^[1] Neurobiological factors also play a role. Research highlights changes in the amygdala, frontal cortex, thalamus and hippocampus, as well as alterations in neurotransmitters like neuropeptide Y, which is linked to trauma and stress regulation. ^[5]

Other factors include sensitization (learned associations of men with danger), observational learning (seeing others show fear of men), and comorbid psychiatric conditions such as depression or substance use disorders. ^[6]

Treatments

Androphobia is treatable, often through psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals reframe negative thoughts and beliefs about men, while exposure therapy gradually desensitizes them to triggers. ^{[1] [2]} Relaxation methods, such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, and progressive muscle relaxation, are also recommended. ^[2]

Medication, such as anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs, may be prescribed to manage severe symptoms, especially when therapy alone is insufficient. ^[3]

See also

• List of phobias
• Anthropophobia
• Specific phobia

References

1. "Androphobia". Cleveland Clinic. November 17, 2021. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
2. Andrews, Melissa (September 12, 2022). "Fear of men phobia (androphobia): Signs and treatment". Medical News Today. Healthline Media UK Ltd. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
3. Singh (January 10, 2023). "Androphobia - How It Affects Your Sex Life?". Lybrate. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Table 3.11, DSM-IV to DSM-5 specific phobia comparison.
5. Garcia, R (2017). "Neurobiology of fear and specific phobias". Learn Mem. 24 (9): 462–471. doi:10.1101/lm.044115.116. PMC   5580526 . PMID   28814472.
6. de Vries, YA; Al-Hamzawi, A; Alonso, J (2019). "Childhood generalized specific phobia as an early marker of internalizing psychopathology across the lifespan: results from the World Mental Health Surveys". BMC Med. 17 (1) 101. doi: 10.1186/s12916-019-1328-3 . PMC   6533738 . PMID   31122269.