Count Dracula certainly suffered from "Staurophobia", but what is it a fear of?

Count Dracula and his fellow vampires could most definitely be said to suffer from "staurophobia", as it means a fear of crucifixes or crosses. It derives from two Greek words, meaning "cross-shaped" and "fear".

However, this fear is not only rooted in Eastern European folklore and 19th century Gothic novels. It dates back to Roman times, and in those days people had good reason to fear crosses which were, of course, a means of execution. However, it can also, by extension, be a fear of Christians, perhaps rooted in childhood trauma.

In the present day it is recognised as a legitimate phobia that can, hopefully, respond to therapy and help the sufferer find relief from the panic attacks, nausea, racing pulse, and other symptoms associated with anxiety.