iatrophobia question

Whenever I have an appointment with a medical specialist or plan to have any medical interventions, I go into worrying mode days before it and can’t sleep the night of the appointment. I think I have iatrophobia. Only recently did I find out that this silly fear has a name. The only kind of doctors I don’t mind are dentists, but that’s because my uncle is a dentist and visiting him is like coming home for tea.

I’m terrified of MRIs or IVs, the very atmosphere of hospitals makes me sick. Whenever I feel bad, I put off going to the doctor for days. It cost me two serious infections last year, and my family think I should do something about it. All my mother knows is I’m careless about my health and have canceled a gynecologist three times now. They don’t realize I’m trying. Each time the appointment approaches, I panic and backpedal. What do I fear? A combination of awkwardness from being touched by someone strange and fear of the unknown. I’ve read many other stories of people with the same problem, and the main advice is to find a doctor you get along with. How can I do that when I can’t even visit the doctor in the first place??

Specialist answer

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Veena Choudhary

Specialist

it is a real concern that many go through it and you are not alone.

if fear of being touch by someone scares you then see if you can take an appointment over video call or phone call if available. you can talk to the health specialist about issues you are facing and the fear you have. Try understand what would be diagnosis. The more the information about the diagnosis the more clarity you will get. It would also help you to get an understanding of the doctor and if it's comfortable for you to visit her in person.

Going to a therapist would be beneficial or just do online like a video call or phone call initially till you are comfortable. with a therapist there should not be a fear because there would be no MRI or iv in the clinic and fear of touched wont be there in a therapy. then why cant you give it a try. You can go to therapist for exposure therapy where they will slowly expose you to face the fear in safe and comfortable setting. Like initially they would only talk about hospital to understand your fear then slowly and gradually keep talking about it till you get comfortable then later move to the next stage of fear say hospital setting like MRI or IV.
Choose a doctor's office that has more a relaxing environment and less clinical like it could be a clinic and not a hospital.

You can do certain distracting activities during the time of MRI. you can stare at one object in the room for a minute and then close your eyes an start picturising that image in your mind like how does it look, what colour it is, how would it feel if we hold the object in hand.

See if you can reframe the thoughts. Think about how it started and has this feeling developed from an unpleasant experiences earlier in your life. See if its your misconception and belief from the past and challenge it. coach yourself with positive thoughts.

Do this applied tension technique thrice before the appointment. choose somewhere comfortable to sit. Tense the muscles in your arms, upper body and legs for 15 seconds. Release the tension and sit comfortably again. After 20-30 seconds tense your muscles again. repeat this 5 times.

you can also role play with your mom or friends to practise managing your symptoms and remain calm before going to the doctor.

You can squeeze a stress ball

i hope this helps.

Eugene Wyatt

We’re in the same boat. Well, almost. I’m afraid of blood draws. It’s rather humiliating. Most professionals told me I need to go to exposure therapy. I have no idea how it’s done with iatrophobia. Visiting more doctors?

Marnie

I feel you. Unlike you, I’m deadly afraid of dentists, due to a terrible experience pulling out a wisdom tooth some years ago. It’s a rather dangerous phobia that puts your health at risk.

coo-coo

I struggle with this too. My fear is less intense but I worry a lot and my anxiety often makes my visits useless as I speak incoherently and can’t think straight. All the doctors immediately think I have somatic problems and redirect me to therapy, when I clearly have real physical issues! Recently I took to writing down all my questions and symptoms on a piece of paper, and I read it out to the doctor. As for your fear to go there, how about bringing someone with you? A friend, cause relatives would be embarrassing I guess. I don’t know if it’s allowed for another person to enter the doctor’s office, but even having them around waiting for you may give you enough courage to actually do it.

saint777

Everyone has some medical-related fears, it’s very common. I didn’t know it had a name before today. All I can say is you have to face this fear. Small steps like starting with a video call may help. In the long run, it's better to endure a short panic and praise yourself afterwards than to let your problems get out of control for who knows how long.

Clementine

Doctors are terrifying, I get you! A friend of mine has told me of successfully treating some phobias with hypnotherapy. Sounds unrealistic and they give no guarantee. Yet my friend is in raptures. So I’m not recommending it, just mentioning as food for thought…

taylornotswift

You can take a sedative the night before and on the day of your appointment. It should lessen your anxiety. In the long term, therapy is the only way to cope with this.