Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Phobia Of Viruses
Question: Hi Dr. Sheppe,
I hope you are doing well! I have another question "open" with you at the moment about my health phobias. In that question I was pursuing some medical answers concerning types of wounds/open sores but here I would like to discuss treatment for my phobia. I suppose I need to pose a question to get the ball rolling here.
How do I learn to stop worrying about such irrational things such as being infected with a blood borne virus through "theoretical" risk?
I hope you are doing well! I have another question "open" with you at the moment about my health phobias. In that question I was pursuing some medical answers concerning types of wounds/open sores but here I would like to discuss treatment for my phobia. I suppose I need to pose a question to get the ball rolling here.
How do I learn to stop worrying about such irrational things such as being infected with a blood borne virus through "theoretical" risk?
Brief Answer:
Private Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you for reaching out directly.
Treatment of specific phobias is well-established. The most effective treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment consists of once-weekly 50 minute sessions for 12-16 weeks with a trained CBT therapist. They will examine the negative automatic thoughts that occur to you about contracting an illness, and do exposure activities to slowly desensitize you to your fears. This is a very effective treatment.
Dr. Sheppe
Private Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you for reaching out directly.
Treatment of specific phobias is well-established. The most effective treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment consists of once-weekly 50 minute sessions for 12-16 weeks with a trained CBT therapist. They will examine the negative automatic thoughts that occur to you about contracting an illness, and do exposure activities to slowly desensitize you to your fears. This is a very effective treatment.
Dr. Sheppe
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
