Abstract
Abstract:

Background: Phobia is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by a specific, marked dread or apprehension toward a certain object or scenario that exceeds the real risk posed by the concerned object or event. Globally, the prevalence of specific phobias is higher among children and adolescents; in Nigeria, the prevalence is 6.4% among adolescents. Pteronophobia, a form of specific phobia, is characterized by a morbid fear of feathers. This study highlights the prevalence of pteronophobia and evaluates the efficacy of systematic desensitization.

Methods: This is a clinic-based description of pteronophobia, focusing on the response to systematic desensitization.

Results: We present a case of a 20-year-old female undergraduate diagnosed with pteronophobia, which had a disabling effect on her daily functioning. The patient responded positively to systematic desensitization, showcasing significant improvement. Relevant literature supports the long-lasting outcomes associated with this therapeutic approach.

Conclusion: This case illustrates the disabling effects of pteronophobia on individuals and emphasizes the long-lasting efficacy of systematic desensitization in managing the disorder.

Keywords: Pteronophobia, specific phobia, systematic desensitization, anxiety disorder.

Key words: Keywords: pteronophobia, systematic desensitization, phobia.