What tests are available for fear of loss?
In general, it must be noted that there are no specific tests to diagnose the presence of fear of loss, although many such tests are offered on the Internet. The diagnosis of fear of loss is therefore made purely through a psychological interview. However, if fear of loss is so extreme that it can turn into panic and take the form of an anxiety disorder, this can be diagnosed using specific tests.
Associated symptoms
The symptomatology of fear of loss can be very different depending on the age of the person concerned and the extent of this fear. Fear of loss, which is already present during childhood, usually refers to the parents. Even a brief separation from them, such as when attending kindergarten or school, may not be possible.
In later stages of life, however, the pronounced fear of loss is usually accompanied by a basic pessimistic attitude. In addition, patients with excessive fears of loss more often develop depression. The often existing compulsions to control are mostly a reaction to the perceived fears and can reach pathological proportions, up to stalking.
Fear of commitment
There is a direct connection between attachment and loss fears. Fear of loss affects human relationships to a predominant degree and is usually the result of the loss of a loved one. While in young years it is usually the parents, later on the life partners can also take on the role of the main caregiver.Thus, in order to develop fear of loss, one must have had and lost relationships. In addition to the development of fear of loss, fear of commitment can also arise from this. These mostly have the purpose of not having to risk the risk of loss again and thus basically lead to a fear of closer ties.
Depression
Patients with pronounced fear of loss have a significantly increased risk of developing depression. This fact is due to several circumstances. On the one hand, the experience of the traumatizing event, which also triggered the fear of loss, can itself lead to the development of depression. On the other hand, the consequences of the fear of loss can also lead to the development of this psychological disorder. In addition to a compulsion to control, they can also lead to withdrawal from social relationships and a lack of drive, which in the worst case can take the form of depression.
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