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Have you ever spent hours just browsing through a restaurant’s menu, not knowing which dish to order? Indecisiveness is not an uncommon trait, it is in fact a good sign that a person analyses everything properly before making a decision. But if the indecisiveness starts affecting every little decision of your life, it is possible that you could be suffering from decidophobia!
“Phobia is an irrational fear of any specific situation place or person. If this phobia occurs during a decision making then it is called decidophobia.” said Dr Rajiv Mehta, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.
Evaluating the pros and cons associated with each decision is a great way of choosing the best possible alternative usually, but for some people, the thought and act of making decisions causes extreme anxiety and distress. But how can you know if you suffer from decidophobia?
“Generally decidophobia doesn’t occur alone it is a part and parcel of anxiety disorder, depression and more commonly obsessive compulsive disorder.” said Dr Mehta. It’s also observed in individuals with obsessive-compulsive, anxious-avoidant, and dependent personality traits. It can become a huge nuisance when this condition starts to disrupt daily functioning and overall quality of life. Some individuals may even experience difficulties in managing routine activities, maintaining relationships, and performing effectively at work or school.
First and foremost, it is important to have a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment. “If the condition is a part of a bigger picture like anxiety or depression then the person requires both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy (both counselling and medicine)” said Dr Mehta. The specific treatment advisable for each person can only be determined after talking to a mental health professional.
Moreover, a person can start taking care of the condition by improving their decision-making prowess little by little. It can helpful to go beyond mental and verbal notes by actually writing down the various options. Create a list of pros and cons for each option, then choose the one with the most benefits or the fewest drawbacks. Keep in mind that a perfect option without any negatives is rarely available.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.