Koumpounophobia is defined as the fear of buttons. It is classified as an irrational phobia. This phobia is relatively rare, affecting approximately less that 1% of the U.S. population, but is still more common that one would think. Signs ad symptoms of Koumpounophobia may include, but are not limited to, being unable to stand the sight, sounds, or texture of buttons, freaking out or losing control, nausea, hysteria, crying, screaming, panic, anxiety, increased heart rate, and/or trembling. There does not seem to be any known historical and/or evolutionary cause behind Koumpounophobia in particular. However, some psychologists could argue that it is tied to another fear that many scientists believe is evolutionary. The fear of circular objects is believed to have been gripping humans for thousands of years, as they remind us of ideas such as holes, resemble skin rashes, or and trigger thoughts of pits containing the unknown. Other possible causes could include a genetic predisposition to the fear or a close relative with the fear. Most likely of all, however, is a traumatic or negative experience in childhood involving buttons; such as choking on a button, being mocked for not knowing how to button, or even childhood abuse or neglect by someone wearing clothes with buttons. Potential treatments for Koumpounophobia may include talk therapy, cognitive/behavioral therapy, virtual reality exposure, help groups, and/or hypnotherapy.

Fun Fact: It is believed that Steve Jobs had Koumpounophobia.