Since the exact cause of atelophobia may be due to a combination of factors, diagnosis by a mental health professional can include a variety of techniques. Diagnosis is generally based on an individual’s medical, social, and family history. In addition, assessment of symptoms and individual interviews are often used to classify the diagnosis according to the guidelines set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is currently in its 5th Edition (DSM-5).
In some cases, physical examination, laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests and urine samples), and brain imaging may be conducted in order to rule out other illnesses that could impact an individual’s mental health or that result in similar symptoms to atelophobia (e.g., psychiatric diseases, cancers affecting the brain, and recent trauma). People with atelophobia may also have other coexisting mental health illnesses, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or substance-related and addictive disorders. In order to manage the associated conditions appropriately, a thorough evaluation from a mental health professional is very important.
The treatment of atelophobia usually depends on the severity of the condition and the medical history of the individual. Typically, atelophobia treatments involve lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and medications. Lifestyle modifications may include reducing caffeine, increasing physical exercise, and practicing mindfulness through meditation or yoga. These changes are meant to help reduce the emotional, mental, and physical symptoms of atelophobia by increasing focus and productiveness, as well as encouraging positive coping mechanisms and overall health and wellness.
Psychotherapy options commonly involve exposure therapy (ET) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) under the supervision of a certified mental health professional. During ET, individuals are repeatedly exposed to situations that trigger their atelophobia with the goal of learning to adapt to and better manage these triggers and the associated fear. On the other hand, CBT exposes individuals to situations that could stimulate their fear of imperfection in order to help pinpoint exact triggers and change their emotional and behavioral reactions towards them.
Depending on an individual’s situation and past treatments, certain medications may also be used to control symptoms of atelophobia. Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam and clonazepam) may help prevent or control symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks. Beta blockers, like propranolol, are another class of medication that may help reduce symptoms of increased heart rate, as well as sweating or dizziness. In some instances, sedatives may help relax and calm the body in triggering situations.