Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?SymptomsCausesRelated PhobiasDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
Symptoms
Causes
Related Phobias
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Fear of doctors, oriatrophobia,is a type ofanxiety disorderwhere a person has an extreme fear of doctors.
It’s normal to feel nervous about visiting your healthcare provider, but for people with iatrophobia, the fear is so overwhelming that it interferes with their ability to get regular healthcare.
This article covers the symptoms and causes of iatrophobia. It also discusses diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
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What Is Fear of Doctors?
Iatrophobia is a fear of doctors and/or medical tests. It’s a type ofphobiaknown as a specific phobia, which is an acute and irrational fear of a particular object or situation.
Is It Iatrophobia or Normal Anxiety?
It’s normal to feel uneasy about a doctor’s appointment. And research has shown that it’s common for people to put off or otherwise avoid medical care, even when they have symptoms or a known health problem. There are many reasons for this, including concerns about costs and long wait times.
But with iatrophobia, the feelings of fear and anxiety that come up are incredibly intense and disruptive. You may experience physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.Even just thinking about going to the doctor can trigger intense dread.
The exact cause of specific phobias such as iatrophobia is not well understood, although they may run in families.Iatrophobia can sometimes arise as the result of a past traumatic experience such as:
Iatrophobia is a type of medical phobia. People who have medical phobias have an irrational fear of something that is typically encountered in a medical setting. Other types of medical phobia include:
Iatrophobia is often treated withpsychotherapy, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBThelps you explore your thoughts and behaviors. The goal is to challenge and change thoughts and behaviors that are unhelpful and unhealthy.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapygradually exposes you to the object or situation that triggers your fear. You may be taught relaxation techniques to help you manage the emotions that come up.
Hypnotherapy
Another type of therapy to consider ishypnotherapy. During a session, a therapist will help guide you into a relaxed, trance-like state and will then help you change problematic thinking patterns.
Medication
Your healthcare provider may also suggest medication such as anantianxiety medicationor an antidepressant.These medications can’t cure the condition, but they can help treat the symptoms.
Coping With a Fear of Doctors
Most people need to see a doctor from time to time. If you are afraid to see your doctor, it could cause you to delay treatment for medical conditions. This could lead to easily treatable conditions causing long-term health problems or serious conditions going untreated altogether.
It can be especially hard to overcome a fear of doctors because you may avoid seeking care from all healthcare providers, including a therapist who specializes in treating specific phobias. If you aren’t able to discuss your condition with a therapist, there are some things you can do to help you take the first steps toward seeking help. For example:
Summary
Treatment for phobias like iatrophobia includes cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Hypnotherapy and medications such as anti-anxiety drugs may also be helpful.
12 Sources
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