It is often said and believed that a Doctor is next to God. A man who cures you of your ailments to give you a lease of healthy life. But what if you are not God fearing but fearful of this noble person who means nothing but good for you??

And being from the same fraternity who adorn the white coat I Dr.Neelu Khanna will try to bring to you all the causes and treatment about the fear of doctors called Iatrophobia.

Iatrophobia or fear of doctors is  very common which many of us must have experienced at some time of our lives.  So how do we know if we are suffering from Iatrophobia or not?

Firstly as it is a common reaction of feeling nervous before visiting a doctor   only an expert qualified mental health professional can diagnose this phobia.

Apart from normal anxiety or nervousness what exactly are the reasons which cause Iatrophobia?
Causes:

1.The long waiting in the hospital which gives you time to speculate about what all possibly could happen once you are with the doctor.

2.The environment of the hospital where you see all kind of people suffering, see worried relatives which leaves a negative impression.

3.The typical antiseptic smell of the hospital tends to add to the anxiety.

4.The sight of complicated instruments in certain specialities can lead to apprehension and scare of the profession and the doctor.

5.The white coat, mask and gloves add to the fear of a patient.

6.Repeated requirement to undergo series of tests which can exhaust a person both mentally and physically leading to aversion.

7.Any kind of a bad personal experience with a doctor can develop a fear for all kinds of doctors.

8.Past traumatic experience of any close one at the hands of a doctor can seed the fear in a persons mind.

9.Any kind of unpleasant  or a rude experience or behavior of a doctor.

10.The fear of hearing a bad news in respect to your own self or a relative can instil a fear for the doctor.

11.The probability of getting painful shots too can make a person fearful of the doctor.

12.Loss of a dear one following treatment can also result in a person losing faith in doctors.

13.A missed or a wrong diagnosis could make a person so fearful that he would refuse to see a doctor for own ailments for the fear of losing life.

14.Any underlying cause or disease that you are suffering from which is painful and requires you to visit the doctor repeatedly can induce fear and aversion for the concerned doctor.

After knowing the causes of Iatrophobia let us well upon the symptoms a person suffering from Iatrophobia has.

Symptoms of Iatrophobia:
1.Though normal anxiety is common but if you feel extremely nervous prior to your appointment it is a matter of concern. Following are the symptoms of Iatrophobia:

2.Unable to focus on anything else before a scheduled visit to the doctor.

3.Feeling of panic on reaching the doctors office.

4.Feeling as if nothing is under your control.

5.Shortness of breath with an irregular heartbeat.

6.Trying to postpone your appointments indefinitely to avoid the doctor.

7.Feeling nauseated and having a panic attack.

8.Sweating and shaking upon reaching the doctors clinic.

Now once we have come to a diagnosis that the fear is beyond normal and is affecting a person's health by delaying important medication and treatment it becomes absolutely important to seek professional help.

How to overcome Iatrophobia:
Before one visits an expert to seek help let us see what all steps can be taken at the level of the individual   to minimize this phobia.
To begin with:

1.Select a doctor with whom you are comfortable with. Ask a friend whose judgement you trust to suggest you to choose one. This way you start on a positive note as well begun is half done.

2.Make an appointment for a time with which you are comfortable.

3.Request for a long appointment so that you have enough time to discuss your problem and do not feel as if you are being rushed.

4.Make a list of your symptoms to be able to explain yourself better.

5.Ask someone to accompany you who are aware of your fears and knows your symptoms.

6.Inform the doctor about your past bitter experience if any with any doctor. This will caution the doctor and help him in is approach towards you.

7.Carry along with you a book or an aid to listen to music which will relax your nerves.

8.If you have developed a good rapport with one particular doctor do not change him on mere hearsay. Changing doctors will only cause more adjustment problems.

9.  But if all these too are not helpful then one needs to visit an expert in this field. But the problem is such persons are afraid of mental health practitioners too.

10.In such cases help of internet or telephone can be used.

Other treatment modalities used by Professionals to treat Iatrophobia are:
1.Hypnotherapy: This helps to reprogram your subconscious mind. It is safe and works fast.

2.NeuroLinguisticProgramming :In this the therapist remodel the thoughts and mental associations in order to treat the preconceived notions.

3.Support Groups: Where one can interact and share ones experiences and fears which in a way help in identifying your fears.

4. Energy Psychology: Is a form of therapy which uses acupressure , yoga enabling people to take simple steps to improve life.

So it is better to give the doctor his due and realize that he is there to help you and not to cause any harm. By fearing this man of god who has only noble intentions we are only doing harm to our own selves.

Next time you visit this man in white remember he means well and do not let your fears overcome the benefits your visit could bring you .A stitch in time saves nine so be regular with all your check ups to avoid ill health.

On a lighter note wising all my readers a healthy life I sum up with this
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, And,
If the doctor is handsome keep the apple away.

Authors Brief Bio : The author Dr.Neelu Khanna is a Dental Surgeon by profession .She has served in the Indian Army and is currently self employed.  A keen writer she has to her credit many poems. A national representative in Declamation contest she is a keen orator and has won many merit certificates in the the same field.
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