Peniaphobia is the fear of poverty. The origin of the phrase penia is Greek (meaning poverty) and phobia is Greek (meaning fear). Peniaphobia is considered to be a specific phobia.

Causes of Peniaphobia

Phobias generally arise from external events (traumatic events) or predispositions such as heredity. These phobias can then be triggered at present by an event which is tied to the past, such as from the person’s childhood. This combination of past events, heredity, and general brain chemistry can all play a critical role in the cause of this phobia.

Symptoms of Peniaphobia

The symptoms for this phobia can include: anxiety, a feeling of dread, shortness of breath, sweating, dry mouth, nausea, irregular heartbeats.