Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Atelophobia?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Atelophobia is a condition in which an individual exhibits an extreme fear of failing to achieve perfection in any of their actions, ideas, or beliefs. This highly sensitized and fearful aversion to any type of imperfection can cause people to become highly critical of anything they say or do, always fearing that their offerings are flawed and not good enough. The fear of imperfection goes far beyond wanting to do things as competently as possible; in cases where there is a true phobia, the condition becomes an obsession that effectively ruins relationships and makes it almost impossible to function in society.

As with a number of phobias, people who develop atelophobia are often highly intelligent and possess many talents and capabilities. Unlike many people who measure their competency in relation to others with similar talents, the true atelophobic sets a standard for perfection that is impossible to reach. Because of this impossible personal standard, an individual suffering with this condition will constantly be attempting to refine, rework or improve something that is already highly regarded by those around them.

A pole vaulter with atelophobia may be so worried about failing that she misses her goal.
A pole vaulter with atelophobia may be so worried about failing that she misses her goal.

Symptoms of this phobia include a high degree of irrational irritability aimed at the self and sometimes manifested toward others. The atelophobic is often so scared of failing to measure up that he or she becomes immobilized by the fear and is unable to complete projects or will not turn them in for fear they are not good enough. A high degree of excitability is common, as well as insomnia and an inability to relax for even a couple of moments. The patient is constantly on edge and feels pressure to continue working until perfection is reached.

Insomnia may accompany atelophobia.
Insomnia may accompany atelophobia.

Owing to the complexity of the factors that go into the condition, a psychologist or therapist is needed to truly identify and define atelophobia. The therapist can help the patient come to terms with this irrational fear of failing to achieve perfection and find ways to reverse the tendency. As part of the course of treatment, the therapist may recommend the use of anti-anxiety medication in order to assist the patient to relax for brief periods. Ongoing therapy is helpful in restoring a balance to life that does not eliminate the positive aspects of competition or stifle the creativity of the individual. Instead, the frustration of failing to be perfect is replaced with a sense of accomplishment for a job well done that is worthy of admiration by everyone, including the individual who envisioned and completed the task.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon993669

I am sure I have this. My fears are taking over and now I am lost. I have run all my friends out of my life, cut out most family other than the ones living here at home. I always feel worthless, then usually later I see why. I can't change and no one can live being around me -- hell, even me.

anon990535

I don't know if I have this or not, or if it is just my mind which wants to lean on to something to support the bad state it is in, breakup and then fitting into a new job, targets and pressure. If something is in my reach and I can get it complete, then I won't look at the time, but I am lazy and that's the main reason for me pushing myself.

I am hard to please, I am afraid of losing, I am afraid of people calling me a failure. I get disheartened and sometime I sulk for weeks. I make up entire scenes that can happen when I am going for a meeting where I know I will be screwed. If I see a mistake in my work, I believe it will be seen by others and in turn I keep praying that no one notices. The pressure is immense.

But I am not aiming for perfection. My car is a mess, my room is a mess. My life, too. It's only when I want to sort it that I take things in hand or else I can let it be.

anon341655

This is the problem nowadays. There is a name for every kind of problem a person faces on a daily basis or at least at one time or another. So what do we do? We prescribe drugs for it. No wonder insurance costs are astronomical.

anon341371

There are some good resources online. I believe I'm an atelophobic because of the characteristics listed. And yes, atelophobia can cause depression.

anon293261

I know I am a perfectionist, but I don't think I'm bad enough to say I have atelophobia. I hate that I'm this way because people say I'm hard to please or just be around. I'm working on this problem.

However, I do want to say I believe a person can have atelophobia and be overweight. Also, I think people need to recognize the difference between atelophobia and anorexia or bulimia. --Chels

anon263558

Yes, it actually can lead to depression but you should go check with a doctor first before assuming anything.

anon219080

I think I may have this. All my life all I've had was grades and school, I was never popular and (guess what) I have almost always been overweight.

Lately I've been working out and dieting to lose weight, so now I'm scared as hell when I know I'm being graded or judged on a performance, so I freeze up because I don't want to fail or be judged harshly. I also tend to have intense spouts of depression when I look back on past muck ups or ones that have happened recently. Is this considered atelophobia? To reply just say @Eli

anon172801

to: anon153955: You can be fat. Seriously. You really can. Some people are fat/bigger because of their depression. (If you don't know what I'm talking about,ask a doctor about it).

anon153956

Being atelophobic is not the same thing as being a perfectionist.

anon153955

Atelophobia is found mostly in people who suffer anorexia/bulimia, but it could also apply to people who work out like crazy to attain that perfect body. Here's the kicker. You will never see a fat atelophobic. people with atelophobia would never let that happen to themselves, especially with such a problem with imperfection.

anon145292

I know I am alteophobic when it comes to beauty. I also have sleeping problems, but I don't think I have it simply for one thing.

anon144741

I believe my daughter also has this, having read the classic symptoms and has also developed an eating disorder. It's difficult to find help getting a diagnosis when some GPs know very little about the condition. I worry constantly about her health and state of mind. She has an appointment with a counselor next week. I hope she finds the strength to discuss her problems.

anon142523

i believe i have it. i don't know. it's hard to actually come out and say it. I am anorexic, I'm about 94 pounds, 5'3" and I'm 19. lately I've been in a really bad depression. and a huge procrastinator.

anon41496

i was diagnosed with atelophobia 4 months ago, but the funny thing is i'm a male anorexic with borderline personality disorder. i'm always telling myself "push a little more. you know you've got to be perfect." sad day when a healthy boy grows up to be 5 foot 9 and weights 98 pounds. atelophobia is no joke.

anon40784

what is difference between a perfectionist and an atelophobic?

anon39839

I also have it. I usually can stay up for days until I absolutely need sleep. I have also developed anorexia.

anon39060

i have this and recently i have developed a slight case of anorexia. i can go a full two days on only three hours of sleep. when i have a big project for school, i procrastinate until about two days before it's due, then stay up all night working on it so i get full credit.

anon38870

I beilieve that this is the disorder I have. Everything in this article describes the complete and utter pressure and anxiety I feel when it comes to writing a paper in school or doing an art project.

I also have isomnia, and I often stay home from school because I have a paper to hand in that I'm not done tweaking, and it's just not good enough.

I don't want to be seeing a therapist though. Are there any effective self-help ways?

anon37521

Well, I am studying about Alteophobia because I am interested in it and in order to write my cause and effect essay. Therefore, is there any studying about the effects of it?

anon37461

Wouldn't everyone have a slight case of this at sometime or another? I am like that about some things anyway

anon37269

I have it, and I am being put on anti-depressants. But I don't know, it could be different for other people. I also developed anorexia.

anon36681

does this kind of phobia ultimately lead to depression?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A pole vaulter with atelophobia may be so worried about failing that she misses her goal.
      By: Donna
      A pole vaulter with atelophobia may be so worried about failing that she misses her goal.
    • Insomnia may accompany atelophobia.
      By: Dan Race
      Insomnia may accompany atelophobia.
    • In some instances, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can benefit a patient who suffers from atelophobia.
      By: nadezhda1906
      In some instances, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can benefit a patient who suffers from atelophobia.
    • Symptoms of atelophobia may include irrational irritability.
      By: Alliance
      Symptoms of atelophobia may include irrational irritability.
    • Atelophobia refers to a fear of failing to achieve perfection in a person's actions, ideas, or beliefs.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Atelophobia refers to a fear of failing to achieve perfection in a person's actions, ideas, or beliefs.