Fear of amputation (apotemnophobia)

Apotemnophobia is a fear of amputees or of losing a limb yourself. It can lead to discomfort around people with limb differences, or strong worry about injuries and operations. Many people with this fear feel guilty about it, as it is not about the person but about the anxiety it triggers.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek apotemnein, to cut off. It is a rare term and should not be confused with body integrity dysphoria, where a person feels a limb does not belong to them. The fear can overlap with fears of injury, hospitals and medical procedures.

What it feels like

• Looking away or feeling uneasy around limb differences
• Worrying that small cuts or injuries could become serious
• Avoiding films or news stories about accidents

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is it wrong to feel uncomfortable around amputees?

Feeling anxious is not a moral failing, and many people with this fear wish it were different. The aim of support is to ease the anxiety so it no longer gets in the way. If the fear centres on your own health, such as diabetes or circulation problems, a GP can explain the real risks.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices