Thunderstorm phobias

This study, consists of a retrospective analysis made from the case notes of 10 thunderstorm phobics who were treated between 1963 and 1977.A wide range of data was abstracted from the histories in order to formulate some generalizations concerning the aetiology of this type of phobia. All the patients studied were female, generally they had experienced the problem in childhood usually in a severe form and its further exacerbation was often attributed to aversive life events. While many reported related sensitivities such as overreaction to sudden and loud noises, other psychiatric problems were rarely presented for treatment.