Is It Iatrophobia or Normal Anxiety?
Only a qualified mental health professional can make this determination.
You might feel a wave of nervousness when actively thinking about an upcoming appointment.
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You may feel stress on the way to the doctors office or while sitting in the waiting room.
If you have iatrophobia, however, an upcoming doctor visit may be the source of endless worrying.
You might find it difficult or impossible to focus on other things.
You might sweat, shake or cry, or even refuse to enter the examination room.
You might become obsessed with minor ailments, fearing that they will require medical treatment.
But itcanmake such an illness more difficult to treat.
You might suffer through even relatively serious illnesses on your own, rather than seeking professional treatment.
It is common for dentists to trigger the same fears as those triggered by doctors of all types.
It may be difficult for you to visit a professional treatment provider for this oranyhealth issue.
Although it can temporarily worsen your anxiety, it is very important that you seek treatment.
This can be true both for your physical healthcare professional or a mental health professional like a therapist.
Not every doctor will be the best fit for you.
Personalized Treatment Options
Some mental health providers offer services via telephone or the internet.
Search for a mental health professional that offers services in a low-key setting that is more homelike than clinical.
Many phobias are treated withcognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and group seminars.
Look for a provider that offers the key in of treatment with which you feel most comfortable.
Seeking treatment for iatrophobia is never easy.
Hollander MAG, Greene MG.A conceptual framework for understanding iatrophobia.Patient Educ Couns.
2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkin
