What Is the Fear of Demons (Daemonophobia)?

Daemonophobia, or the fear of demons, is a phobia often rooted in religious beliefs. Some religious denominations believe that demons are real, powerful entities that can possess humans, causing them to behave in unthinkable ways.

Other sects believe that possession is unlikely or even impossible but that demons are capable of wreaking havoc in other ways. Still, others believe that the spirits capable of possessing us are helpful and beneficent, and ritualized spirit possession is part of regular religious practice.

Symptoms of a Fear of Demons

The fear of demons is a type of specific phobia. Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of a specific object or situation. 

According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5-TR), the symptoms of specific phobia include:

• Excessive and unreasonable fear of demons
• Avoidance or extreme distress in response to objects or situations that trigger fear
• An immediate anxiety reaction in response to thoughts, objects, or situations that trigger the fear

To be diagnosed as a specific phobia, these symptoms must lead to limitations in one or more areas of a person's life. Symptoms must last six months or longer and must not be due to another mental health condition, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or panic disorder.

What Causes a Fear of Demons?

The fear of demons often stems from religious beliefs. However, not all daemonophobia is rooted in religious issues.

Some research suggests that fears related to supernatural entities often co-occur with other types of phobias.

If you have this fear, it may be worthwhile to examine both your current belief system and the one with which you were raised. Some people develop a fear of demons while going through a crisis of faith or a major change in religious traditions.

Events that cause you to reexamine your childhood can also lead you to question changes you have made as an adult, including changes in religious beliefs.

Demons in Popular Media

Like ghosts, demons feature prominently in many blockbuster films and best-selling novels. Released in 1973, The Exorcist is perhaps the best-known film depiction of demonic possession, but demons remain a popular theme in today's movies.

Computer-generated imagery techniques allow each film to put its gruesome spin on the creatures. It is unlikely that a film would create a brand-new phobia, but people with daemonophobia might be triggered by such movies.

Fear of Demons and Legend Tripping

"Legend tripping" is a rite of passage for many teens and young adults. Urban legends about haunted locations are prevalent around the world, and many of the stories feature a demonic element.

Expectations can influence perceptions, and legend-tripping teens usually expect a frightening experience. Planning the trip, retelling the story over and over, and finally making their way to a deserted bridge or highway or cemetery in the middle of the night heighten the anticipation.

Although the legend trippers prove their courage by confronting their fears, legend tripping can actually worsen a legitimate phobia. Many people return from a legend trip convinced they were just moments away from a dismal fate, heightening the belief in the legend and ultimately cementing the phobia.

Fear of Demons in Children

Fears are exceptionally common in young children, but most kids grow out of them. Like the bogeyman, demons may represent nothing more than a child's attempt to make sense of the unpredictable world around them.

Children may also be more susceptible to movies, books, TV shows, and video games. Monitor small children's activities and enjoy things that you are not sure about together. Discuss your beliefs and answer their questions honestly and simply.

Getting Help for a Fear of Demons

Treatment for the fear of demons may include psychotherapy and sometimes medications.

• Therapy: Two of the most common psychotherapy treatments for specific phobias are exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In exposure therapy, people are gradually exposed to the source of their fear, which eventually lessens the fear response. CBT can help change the negative thought patterns that contribute to symptoms of fear and anxiety.
• Medication: Medications may sometimes be prescribed alongside psychotherapy to help people manage their fear or to treat co-occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Before seeing a mental health professional for daemonophobia, it is helpful to organize your own thoughts and beliefs. Although the phobia may reflect a disorder, most mental health professionals recognize the importance of taking the client's personal beliefs into account in treatment.

In addition, think through your goals of therapy. Do you want to stop believing in demons altogether? Do you simply want to be able to watch horror movies with your friends?

Coping With a Fear of Demons

Although it is always best to seek professional help for any phobia, many people can manage their symptoms on their own.

• Seek social support: If you belong to a religious organization, you may find solace in talking with your religious leader or trusted peers.
• Learn more about your fear: Researching demonic possession can help ease your fears, but only if you carefully screen your sources. If you do research, stick to trustworthy websites run by reputable organizations.
• Practice exposure safely: If you choose to watch horror movies or visit haunted houses, use caution. Take a trusted friend who knows your fear. Use breathing and visualization techniques to manage your symptoms, and be prepared to leave if you experience panic attacks.
• Reframe your thoughts: If you find yourself dwelling on frightening thoughts, try to replace those thoughts with ones that are more helpful.
• Distract yourself: It can also be helpful to find ways to distract yourself if you are experiencing feelings of fear. Talking to a friend, watching a funny movie, or reading a book are a few examples that might take your mind off of your anxiety.