Workplace Ergophobia: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Ergophobia, also known as irrational fear of work, is a mental health disorder characterized by the presence of a irrational and exacerbated fear of the idea of ​​work In this sense, the person who suffers from this clinical condition may present a marked rejection of any circumstance that comes into contact with the work environment.

Although there is no delimited category that represents the qualities of this clinical condition, it is possible to place ergophobia within the group of specific phobias of the DSM-V.⁽¹⁾.

Diagnostic criteria for ergophobia

Below we show you the diagnostic criteria for ergophobia or fear of working:

• Fear and/or anxiety at the idea of ​​facing work or work situations.
• Avoidance of work or work situations
• Duration of six months or more
• Deterioration of social, work and family relationships
• The alterations cannot be attributed to other mental health disorders or the intake of toxic substances and/or medications.

In order to detect this problem in time, it is necessary to know what its indicators are. For this reason, it becomes essential to understand the manifestations that appear in behaviors, emotions and thoughts. In this section, we will point out the main symptoms of work ergophobia:

• Avoidance of work meetings
• Social isolation.
• Palpitations
• Sweating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sleep disturbances
• Food deregulations.
• Distorted ideas about work.
• Catastrophic thoughts
• Dissatisfaction and insecurity
• Difficulty maintaining attention during work periods.

Despite the description made, the presence of any of these symptoms in isolation does not necessarily imply that it is a case of ergophobia. In short, the evaluation of a mental health professional specialized in the subject allows us to achieve a greater understanding of each patient’s situation.

One of the most important factors in the formation of this mental disorder consists of the possible origins. Therefore, we will specify the causes of work ergophobia:

Environmental factors

Environmental factors include those experiences of a traumatic nature that the person has suffered, such as, for example, mistreatment, abuse, accidents, illnesses and other serious situations or unpleasant scenes in hostile work environments, such as unjustified dismissals or traumatic events.

In relation to this, fears experienced in the past can be repeated in the present and manifest in the form of work ergophobia.

Genetic factors

People with family background People with anxiety disorders or other mental disorders may be more likely to experience ergophobia.

The processing of external stimuli is carried out through the central nervous system that makes up neurotransmitters. For this reason, if there is any alteration inherent to the body, it is possible that it will be transmitted to the person who suffers from the disorder.

Despite the complexities of this problem, there are approaches currently available that allow an improvement in quality of life. In the next items, we will develop the treatments for work ergophobia:

• Psychological therapy : consists of a space that invites reflection about the conflictive situations of daily life. Likewise, therapy allows us to develop tools to cope with anxiety and/or fear in a more enjoyable way. Among the most recommended devices, psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, among others, stand out.
• Psychiatric medication : In the event that the person maintains behavioral patterns that seriously affect their own life and their environment, the use of psychiatric medications becomes a viable solution. However, it is essential that they be administered under the supervision of a health professional.

If you want more information on this topic, in the following article we explain How to manage work stress.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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