Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Mike Robinson

Chromophobia, which goes by the other names of cromatofobia or crematofobia, is a long-lasting, inexplicable dread or repulsion of colors. This particular fear is characterized by an irrational dread of colors, and its manifestation can differ from person to person. Each individual may have their own set of colors to be afraid of.

It is not widely reported that chromophobia is a type of phobia; data suggests that only a small portion of the world’s population may suffer from this condition.

Chromophobia is characterized by a fear of particular colors, most often red and white. Additionally, sufferers have an aversion to bright or vibrant hues. However, some research indicates that it is possible for individuals with this phobia to develop an aversion to any shade.

This fear can manifest in different ways, ranging from extreme discomfort to feeling panicked or overwhelmed in the presence of certain colors. Currently, there is not a lot of information available on the origin of chromophobia, but it is thought to be a reaction that has been conditioned.

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders that are classified as phobias may include chromophobia, which is a fear of colors. It is often challenging to identify chromophobia, but it is thought that the source of this fear is primarily related to colors. Therefore, an individual who suffers from chromophobia is afflicted with an intense, irrational, and persistent fear of colors that cannot be managed.

In chromophobia, the fear of colors is not typically associated with all of them. Rather, it tends to develop in a specific way for one or more particular colors. Additionally, the two most common colors that this disorder is connected to are red and white.

Those with chromophobia will feel a heightened sense of anxiety when exposed to their specific dreaded stimulus, which can be a particular hue or multiple colors that evoke a phobic response.

In order to identify chromophobia as a fear of colors, it is essential that the following criteria be met:

1. Excessive: the fear of colors is extreme. Any exposure to bright colors causes an extremely high level of anxiety. 
2. Irrational: Colors alone do not create any risk for people. But the subjects with this fear react as if they were highly threatening. This is because irrational thoughts govern the fear of the disorder.
3. Uncontrollable: People with a fear of colors are often aware that this fear is excessive and irrational. However, they cannot do anything to avoid these feelings. The fear is automatic and uncontrollable. 
4. Permanent: The phobic fear of colors is characterized by being persistent and permanent. This fear does not disappear with time and is not subject to certain stages or various situations.

Symptoms of Chromophobia

Anxiety is a common feature of chromophobia. This fear response can trigger an intense aversion to color, and the feeling can be very uncomfortable and distressing. The effects of chromophobia-induced anxiety are usually intense and can have a detrimental impact on a person’s quality of life as well as their overall functioning.

Generally, the ordinary manifestations of chromophobia may be classified into three categories: physical, cognitive, and behavioral.

Physical Symptoms

The individual suffering from chromophobia is likely to experience the least enjoyable effects in terms of physical symptoms. These symptoms are typically characterized by a range of changes to the body’s normal functioning.

The autonomic nervous system of the individual is in overdrive due to the fear they feel when seeing the object of their dread. As a result, physical symptoms emerge when the individual is confronted with the color they dread.

When confronted with their phobic stimulus, individuals with chromophobia may experience any of the following:

1. A faster heartbeat
2. A heightened breathing rate
3. Large amounts of perspiration
4. Muscles tightening
5. Aching of the head and/or abdomen
6. A dry mouth
7. feeling of nausea, disorientation, and/or vomiting.

Mental Symptoms

Symptoms that are related to cognition can manifest in numerous ways, such as difficulties with memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. The physical effects of chromophobia derive from the development of irrational and conflicting thoughts related to the feared hue.

Individuals with chromophobia view their feared color as being greatly menacing, regardless of the fact that it presents no actual danger.

Changes in behavior

Two behavioral symptoms related to chromophobia can be identified: avoiding and fleeing from the situation. The individual will engage in activities that prevent them from coming into contact with the color they dread. This can have numerous adverse effects on their life as they will be restricted from various places.

In contrast, when the person encounters the color that he or she dreads, they will initiate a reaction to flee the situation due to the fear and unease that it invokes.

Diagnosis of Chromophobia

In order to make a diagnosis of chromophobia, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

1. an extreme fear or dread of particular colors (a phobic element).
2. Generally, those with a phobia experience fear or unease right away.
3. Fear or extreme apprehension is a response to actively preventing or counteracting the phobic element.
4. An irrational apprehension is usually out of proportion to the real potential danger of the phobic element and its environment.
5. A condition of apprehension, disquiet, or dread that persists for at least six months is a common symptom.
6. The manifestations seen are not reflective of any other mental health disorder.

Contributing Factors

Chromophobia is a conditioned reaction, meaning it occurs by connecting a given hue with certain unpleasant event. Conditioning related to certain colors can usually be the result of a traumatic experiences. Nevertheless, you can trigger a reaction by imagining a color or even someone talking about one.

Treatment Options

Most particular phobias, chromophobia included, are commonly treated by psychotherapy. Typically, exposure and systematic desensitization are utilized as the techniques in this type of therapy.

The basis of these therapies consists of gradually introducing the person to the colors that cause fear in a controlled setting with the intention of helping them become accustomed to them, learn to cope with the anxious reaction they experience, and ultimately overcome the phobia.

More information on omphalophobia can be found here: Omphalophobia: Signs, Causes, and Treatments

Relaxation techniques can be helpful in the process by easing the subject’s stress and anxiety levels.