Gerascophobia — an excessive fear of aging

Did you know this existed? I did not!

A 14-year-old boy in Mexico who had such an intense fear of growing up was diagnosed with gerascophobia; an excessive fear of aging. The phobia is not very common with only two previous cases reported, and both cases were in adults.

The said boy was so scared of aging that he took extreme measures to curb his growth, such as restricting his food intake and distorting his voice.  According to reports, the boy's phobia started when he was about 11 years old. He had learned that nutrients in food would cause him to grow — so he ate less, and lost more than 26 lbs. The boy's mother did not help matters as she treats him as if he were younger by singing him lullabies and choosing what he wears each day.

Thankfully, the boy was treated with antidepressant along with various forms of therapies and has improved, gained weight and has started to act and accept his age.