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What is Pistanthrophobia, or The Fear of Trusting People?

What is Pistanthrophobia, or The Fear of Trusting People?

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Phobias can cause severe disruption or sadness in someone’s life. They can affect personal and professional life, affecting self-esteem, and ruining interpersonal relationships. Pistanthrophobia is related to trust. Trust is essential in a relationship, whether with friends or partners. People who have Pistanthrophobia have a deep fear of trusting people, forming romantic relationships, and building interpersonal bonds. It might feel ridiculous to many of you but for some people, it is like an impossible feat. In this blog, we will see the definition, symptoms, and treatment options for Pistanthrophobia.

Pistanthrophobia Definition

When we talk about the meaning of PISTANTHROPHOBIA we need to see the history of this word. It is a Greek word meaning “trust” and “fear”. It is related to the fear of trusting people, aroused from past experiences, specifically from the traumatic ending of a romantic relationship. It’s like the fear of getting hurt by someone in a relationship.

To qualify this fear as a phobia, it must be consistent, baseless, and not rooted in reality. People who suffer from phobia are not in actual danger, but their perception of reality makes them feel like it is real.

There is not much research specifically on Pistanthrophobia, and it is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). But it has gained so much popularity in recent years. All types of phobias can affect a person’s life, but Pistanthrophobia is uniquely different and more harmful because it makes it difficult to trust people. Trust is integral in relationships and the inability to trust makes a person unfit for the environment.

Read More: Beyond the Basics: Unfolding the Mystery of Specific Phobia

Pistanthrophobia Symptoms

Some specific types of behaviors have been observed among a Pistanthrophobia person. Pistanthrophobia signs include avoidance of conversations or deep interactions with a person you have a crush on, being guarded or withdrawn, avoiding engaging in flirtation, dating, or romantic relationships, experiencing GAD (general anxiety disorder) or an appearance of wanting to get out of conversations that are becoming uncomfortable, especially as they relate to intimacy, dating, or a prospective love interest.

If you feel there is room for Pistanthrophobia in a relationship or you observe any symptoms in your relationship, along with the behavioral symptoms, there are physical symptoms as well.

  • Palpitations
  • Faintness Breathing difficulties
  • Tightness in chest
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Excessive panic or fear disproportionate to the situation
  • Overwhelming sense of acute stress
  • Trembling

Pistanthrophobia, like any other phobia, must be identified with a mental health professional.

Pistanthrophobia Causes

After understanding the signs of Pistanthrophobia, we need to know the reasons for Pistanthrophobia. Like any other phobia, it is also triggered by a person or event. There can be various triggers that vary from person to person, but this type of phobia is often caused by a traumatized relationship.

Read More: The Association of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

The most common reason for having this phobia is an experience gained by trusting someone before and having painful experiences. Below are the major causes

  • Trust issues occur when your partner cheats or lies, leaving you traumatized.
  • Young children who get neglected and abused, grow up and develop trust phobias.
  • People who get emotionally abused have this severe fear of being left alone.
  • Gaslighting leads to a person not being able to trust as a means of self-protection.

Pistanthrophobia: How to Overcome?

There is no direct way to diagnose Pistanthrophobia according to the DSM-V, so when a mental health professional examines a patient, he diagnoses it under the treatment for a specific phobia. So the question arises: is Pistanthrophobia common? Because if it is not common, there might not be a solution. But there are many solutions for treating phobias including therapies, medication, and self-care activities.

Medication Management

Medication is not usually used for Pistanthrophobia treatment, they are commonly treated with therapies. But in rare cases, the exceptions are benzodiazepines and beta-blockers. Benzodiazepines are also used for the treatment of depression or MDD (major depressive disorder). In this case, they are not used to treat phobia, but they can reduce the level of anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Pistanthrophobia therapy is the best solution for treating this phobia. In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the therapist finds the negative thought patterns related to trust and fear. In this way, a person can reframe their thoughts and take control of their mind. CBT is considered the best psychotherapy, as it is also used for treating other mental disorders including schizophrenia and ADHD.

Exposure Therapy

This is a subtype of CBT in which the subject is exposed to their triggers. In Pistanthrophobia, the therapist may start by asking you personal questions and making you feel uncomfortable, which will eventually help you control your emotions much more easily.

Read More: Let’s Talk About Agoraphobia Treatment


Self-Care Techniques

Take small steps to keep up your trust. Share a small thing with someone you trust and see how they react.  Slowly share the little things you feel more comfortable with. This can help in rejuvenating your social life because activities such as these can help you in deterring your fear. Making changes to your life can help you minimize Pistanthrophobia symptoms, like sleeping 8 hours, exercising, eating nutrient-rich food, and drinking water. Meditation and yoga are also helpful.

Medical Solutions From Orange Coast Psychiatry

Are you suffering from Pistanthrophobia and do not know what to do? Do not worry, we are here to help you. From CBT and IPT to medication and self-care tips, our solutions are evidence-based and benefit clients. Whether you want clinical diagnosis or telehealth services, we at Orange Coast Psychiatry are always here to help you receive the care you deserve.

Read More: Vicarious Trauma: The Signs, Causes, And Available Treatments

Conclusion

Phobias like Pistanthrophobia can affect your emotions and ability to connect with your partner in a relationship. While addressing the deep problems that are triggering the phobia may be uncomfortable, in time you can learn new ways to trust people and enter into a healthy relationship. There are many ways from CBT, exposure therapy to self-care activities. You might need medical assistance, Orange Coast Psychiatry is your premium choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both involve fear and anxiety of interpersonal relationships. Pistanthrophobia specifically revolves around trust issues and a fear of trusting others, while philophobia involves the fear of falling in love and emotional attachment.

You may have Pistanthrophobia if your fear of trusting others has begun to disrupt your functioning and daily activities. 

Many ways are used to manage trust issues, including therapies, and self-care activities like yoga and meditation. Taking small steps like telling small things to your partner and seeing their reaction. 

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Kadri, S. (2024, August 15). Pistanthrophobia: Signs, causes & treatment. MentalHealth.com. https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/Pistanthrophobia
  2. Evans, J. R. (2018, September 18). What is philophobia, and how can you manage fear of falling in love? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/philophobia#risk-factors
  3. McNeil, D. (2020, April 24). The Fear of Trusting: Pistanthrophobia – The Relationship place. The Relationship Place. https://www.sdrelationshipplace.com/the-fear-of-trusting-Pistanthrophobia/
  4. Addmin. (2024, December 3). Pistanthrophobia: When Trust Issues Become A Psychological Condition – IRC. Islamabad Rehab Clinic. https://ircl.pk/Pistanthrophobia-when-trust-issues-become-a-psychological-condition/

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Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.

“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.