<unk>  (, thalassa, "sea" and , phobos, "fear") is the persistent and intense fear of deep bodies of water such as the sea, oceans, pools, or lakes. Though very closely related,<unk>  should not be confused with aquaphobia which is classified as the fear of water itself.<unk>  can include fear of being in deep bodies of water, fear of the vast emptiness of the sea, of sea waves, aquatic creatures, and fear of distance from land. The causes of<unk>  are not clear and are a subject of research by medical professionals as they can vary greatly between individuals. Researchers have proposed that the fear of large bodies of water is partly a human evolutionary response, and may also be related to popular culture influences which induce fright and distress. It is also theorized that the underlying psychology of the phobia stems from the symbolic nature of water. Specifically, the vastness of the sea is often connected to one's deep unconscious. The severity of<unk>  and the signs and symptoms associated with it are quite fluid and complex. Those who suffer from<unk>  go through numerous episodes of emotional and physical anguish caused by a variety of triggers. Treatment may comprise a combination of therapy and anxiolytics, and is most effective when administered to patients during childhood, when<unk>  is generally at its peak.
Thalassophobia
Trypophobia
Gymnophobia
Hodophobia
Thermophobia
Pseudophobia
Neophobia
Mysophobia