I think buttons are kind of disgusting. It’s not so much of a fear as it is a revulsion that I have toward buttons. I’ve had this odd disgust for buttons since at least the age of four. I could and can wear clothes with buttons on them, but I prefer not to. Every now and again as a child I would break down in tears and fight my mom if she tried to make me wear clothes with buttons on them. She usually won. That may have helped me in the long run, an early type of aversion therapy even though neither her nor I knew what the exact problem was.

What I really can’t stand is seeing a jar of buttons or a button that has fallen off onto the floor, they simply repulse me. Touching them is the worst punishment possible, and in the event I need to pick one up and throw it in the garbage, I have to wash my hands right away. The nastiest kinds of buttons are the most common, the clear, plastic, four-holed buttons—nary a dress shirt is made without them.

Koumpounophobia and It’s Causes

Koumpounophobia is a fear of buttons, or button phobia. Button phobia falls under the category of specific phobia, varies from person to person in degree and exact nature, and may or may not be initiated by an activating event.

Phobias in general tend to have a hereditary component, and even in the case of an activating event, the individual would have already had a predisposition to phobias. A specific phobia is an intense fear to something that that holds little potential for actual danger. Among the uncommon and unusual phobias, button phobia seems to be one of the more common ones.

What are the Symptoms?

The degree of Koumpounophobia can range from a mild disgust of buttons to a severe repugnance of even having to say or see the word ‘button.’ Some can’t wear any clothes with buttons on them, while others can’t even be around people who are wearing clothes with buttons at all.

The reactions range from outright panic and distress to moderate discomfort and an ill-at-ease feeling in the presence of buttons. Some buttons appear more or less objectionable to different people—I dislike the clear plastic ones the most, but know a man with the same button repugnance as me who thinks the pearl-coated round ones are the worst.

Some have an actual fear of buttons; they might get stuck in their nose or throat and are therefore a choking hazard. Most don’t perceive any real danger from buttons, but the idea that they are dirty and just plain gross and disgusting is extremely prominent.

General symptoms of a phobia include:

• Shortness of breath or smothering sensation
• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Trembling or shaking
• Feeling of choking
• Sweating
• Nausea or stomach distress
• Feeling unsteady, dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
• Feelings of unreality or of being detached from yourself
• Feeling of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of dying
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Hot or cold flashes

What can be done about Koumpounophobia?

Commonly, when the phobia interferes with daily functioning, seeking medical attention from a mental health professional is the best solution. With phobias in general, experts have found that desensitization therapy is the best remedy for specific phobias.

It works by exposing the phobic person to the object or situation which disturbs them. The time of exposure will increase as they learn to deal with the symptoms. Doing the exercise with a trusted friend or professional is recommended. As they learn to make it through the uncomfortable situation, the idea is that the object or situation of fear will decrease and cease to have control over them. They’ll be able to walk through the irrational thoughts and come out feeling more free and serene on the other side.

In the instance of buttons, desensitization might begin by exposure to a jar of buttons in the room for a few minutes, and increase the time daily as the phobic individual begins to make it through the disgust and fear. Being around others who are wearing buttons and being able to eventually wear clothing with buttons themselves is another route to take.

Other general management techniques:

• Deep breathing or cleansing breaths
• Meditation
• Distraction from the obsessive thought such as singing a favorite song, or reciting a favorite quote or movie scene
• Affirmations

However you decide to address the fear of buttons, whether the fear is yours or someone you love, always remember to practice patience and understanding with yourself and others. If it’s not seriously debilitating, also try to see the humor in the irrational thought. Not taking it so seriously yourself can aid in relaxation, and make the phobic situation less stressful.

-Anne

Do you have any phobias you would like to discuss? Comment and share with us!

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