Fear of atomic explosions (atomosophobia)

Atomosophobia is a fear of atomic explosions. It can flare up with news of world tensions, leading to hours spent reading updates or a sense of dread that is hard to shake. Some people find films, sirens or even the word nuclear unsettling.

About this phobia

The term is based on the word atom with the suffix phobia, and it is a rare entry on phobia lists rather than a common clinical label. Worry about nuclear war tends to rise at times of global tension and overlaps with broader anxiety about world events. It is sometimes grouped with fears of disasters and of the end of the world.

What it feels like

• Checking the news compulsively during international crises
• Picturing worst case scenarios on hearing loud bangs or sirens
• Avoiding films or documentaries about nuclear weapons

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

Common questions

How can someone cope with fear about world events?

Limiting news checking to set times often helps, as constant updates tend to feed the worry. Focusing on what is within your control, such as daily routines and time with others, can also steady things. If the fear is affecting sleep or daily life, a GP can point towards support.

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.

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