[medicalfox]

I have a deep fear of people and not in terms of social interaction. I'm very outgoing and am quite social (although awkward), but I have a constant fear that people have the intent to harm me. I'm perfectly fine going to the mall by myself, but I can't go for a bike ride by myself or go for a walk in the woods by myself in fear that someone might stab me or do something awful. What is this phobia called? Any ideas? It's very crippling and I just stay home all day when my boyfriend is at work ):

[glok]

Hello, medicalfox. You might get some beneficial insight posing your question here:

Ask the Therapist

I wish you well.

What you've described sounds like paranoia. So, more in the category of "delusion" than in the "social anxiety" category.

[Jolisse]

In today's world, it's difficult not to be paranoid.

Right Jolisse, but there's justified paranoid and there's delusional paranoia.

[lovesdogs99]

I'm very scared of people too! For a different reason, but a fear similar to that.

[ocdfighter]

Every time i walk down a street and i see a person coming towards me i feel like that person will stop and kidnap or murder me . Its quite scary . I avoid going outside but i also do have OCD about germs and that also makes me fear going outdoors. I really do feel for you.
Best wishes
Aya x

[medicalfox]

Originally Posted by Sister Rags

What you've described sounds like paranoia. So, more in the category of "delusion" than in the "social anxiety" category.

So maybe it's from my schizoaffective disorder? I only take 1mg of risperdal for my schizophrenic delusions/hallucinations, but I notice that I always experience delusions even when hallucinations have subsided. I'll ask my therapist about this, but idk if she knows much about schizophrenic symptoms.