Does choosing a meal or picking a movie leave you panicked? It could be 'Decidophobia'

Decidophobia: Symptoms include sweating, increased heart rate and panic attacks. (Representational)

Imagine standing at a crossroads, unable to move, not because you are lost, but because the sheer act of choosing a path terrifies you. This isn’t simple indecision — it's decidophobia, an intense and often debilitating fear of making decisions. From small choices like what to wear, to life-altering ones like choosing a career or partner, for those with decidophobia, every decision feels like an overwhelming, anxiety-ridden gamble.

Coined by philosopher Walter Kaufmann in his 1973 book ‘Without Guilt and Justice: from Decidophobia to Autonomy’, this phobia is described as a crippling fear that leaves individuals unable to commit to choices, big or small. The phobia goes beyond the everyday hesitation of picking a restaurant or choosing an outfit; for sufferers, making any decision becomes overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, often leading to avoidance behaviours.

The Fear

Decidophobia stems from a deep-seated fear of the consequences tied to one’s choices. It could be the fear of making the wrong choice or the pressure of being responsible for the outcomes, which could range from mild disappointment to life-altering ramifications. People with this condition might find themselves excessively relying on others—be it family, friends, or authority figures—hoping they will make decisions on their behalf.

In some cases, it might be linked to a perfectionist mindset, where the individual feels that any choice short of the ideal one is a failure. Fear of judgment, fear of regret, and fear of unknown outcomes also play significant roles in the development of decidophobia.

Symptoms and Effects

For those suffering from decidophobia, even simple decisions can trigger intense stress. They might experience symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate, dizziness, or even panic attacks when faced with choices. Over time, this can severely impact their personal and professional lives. From missing out on career opportunities to delaying major life decisions—such as marriage or buying a home—decidophobia can lead to a stagnated existence.

This inability to decide also affects relationships, as constant indecision can strain interactions with partners, friends, and colleagues. They may perceive the sufferer as being unreliable or overly dependent.

Therapy

Like most phobias, therapy is one of the most effective treatments for decidophobia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals reframe their thought processes around decision-making, alleviating some of the anxiety associated with choices. Gradual exposure to decision-making scenarios, combined with coping strategies, can also aid in overcoming the fear.

But before therapy, recognising and understanding decidophobia is the first step in addressing it.