How to overcome the fear of driving?

Amaxophobia is the phobia or fear of driving whose origin may vary in each patient. It is important to differentiate fear from panic. The fear is activated in the body while the panic activates the mind when we try to control what we perceive and feel. It is precisely in this attempt to calm ourselves that we increase fear and give it feedback.

According to the Institute of Road Safety of the MAPFRE Foundation, 33% of the Spanish population is afraid to drive under certain conditions and 6% stop driving due to fear.

What symptoms does it produce?

The fear of driving is a phobia that can manifest itself in different ways and can affect deeply the personal security and the self esteem. These are the symptoms that can be experienced:

• Nervousness
• Tachycardia
• Palpitations
• Stomach ache
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Sweaty hands
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness of limbs
• muscle pains
• Insomnia and travel-related nightmares
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Visualization of possible hazards
• Feeling of permanent alertness

Where are you from?

Have had a traumatic experience Previous such as a traffic accident or some problem while driving, such as a robbery, can end up triggering amaxophobia, It can also be a symptom of another disorder such as agorophobia or. But even stress can take its toll.

It also affects the lack of driving experience especially in drivers who have not driven for a long time or have driven very little since they got their driving license. Although lack of dexterity is also a trigger that increases anxiety. In this case, it is usually solved by taking practical recycling classes

Is there a cure?

In order to be able to, it is important to carry out a personalized treatment for each patient based on the triggering causes. In the event that you see that the situation overwhelms you,.

It is also important that you know that they are developing more and more virtual reality software for him . Realistic 360º simulations are established while biometric indices related to anxiety are measured and the dreaded scenarios are progressively regulated.

• Fear of driving must be tackled specifically depending on its origin.
• Broadly speaking, three levels must be addressed: anticipatory thoughts, emotional management while driving and planning a good gradual confrontation.

Specialist in Clinical Psychology