Balloon phobia

摘要

Phobia of balloons (the party, not hot air, variety) may seem a reason for mirth rather than serious attention but can need urgent intervention. Its prevalence is not easy to discover but, among cases of which I've heard, the presenting circumstances were identical. After being sensitised in childhood by exploding balloons, patients tend to avoid proximity to balloons. For most that's not difficult. Many with flying phobia simply don't fly, but, just as this can become a big problem when a job or relationship is at stake, so fear of balloons (globophobia) can also cause crises. This is because balloonphobics usually marry and have children, who soon start having birthday parties, which means balloons. That's when mother or father takes her or his shameful secret to the GP to ask for help.