Do you have a fear of doctors? Do you get anxious just thinking about entering the office? If so, you’re not alone.
Experiencing anxiety over visiting the doctor is pretty common. In fact, there’s even an official medical term for it – iatrophobia – the fear of doctors or medical tests.
What is Iatrophobia?
Before seeing the doctor, many people feel anxious or scared. Only three percent of the population have iatrophobia, which is an extreme fear of doctors. One survey found that one in three Americans avoid doctor visits, even when they think they need medical care.
Iatrophobia is an extreme and overwhelming fear that can affect anyone, regardless of background, age, or gender. A medical doctor, licensed psychiatrist, or clinical counselor must provide the diagnosis, which may be why statistics don’t match up.
Symptoms of iatrophobia include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Extreme feelings of dread or terror
- Nausea
- Profuse sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Rapid breathing and heart rate or heart palpitations (racing heart that may skip beats)
- Shaking or trembling
What Causes Iatrophobia?
There can be several reasons for the onset of iatrophobia. People who suffer from anxiety disorders are at risk of iatrophobia. Those with long-term illnesses may fear doctors or medical treatment more than others.
People with iatrophobia typically have fears that include:
- Abnormal lab result or unwelcome diagnosis
- Procedures that involve needles or pain
- Difficulty communicating with a doctor because of a language barrier
- The doctor brushing off your concerns
- Criticism of your weight or other habits
- A repeat bad experience
How to Overcome and Manage Iatrophobia
Overcoming the fear of doctors can be challenging, but there are several ways to help manage it.
You must first acknowledge your feelings and not ignore your emotions or fears. Feeling scared is common, but don’t let it prevent you from seeking medical assistance. If fear is holding you back, it’s important to deal with it promptly. You need to take steps to overcome your fear so you can receive the care you need for Better Health.
For severe iatrophobia, a mental health professional can work with you to overcome your fear. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and anti-anxiety medications are popular methods in treating phobias like fear of doctors.
Exposure therapy, where someone is gradually exposed to things that trigger the phobia, is another common treament method, along with hypnotherapy.
Other strategies you can try on your own include:
Schedule Your Visit on Your Time
Instead of letting the doctor’s office select your appointment time, you pick a day and a time that works best for you.
Choose a time during the day when you feel the least rushed and stressed. This can help prevent white coat hypertension, also known as white coat syndrome. This condition happens when your blood pressure rises because of stress at a hospital or medical facility.
For example, if you notice yourself becoming more agitated as the day goes on, schedule an early morning appointment to deal with it.
Picking the first appointment of the day can be a good way to get your visit knocked out in the morning so you do not have to spend the day worrying about the appointment.
Bring a Family Member or Friend
Having a friend or family member with you as you sit and wait to get called back can provide a great distraction. They can keep you calm and be another set of ears if you’re prone to missing or forgetting things the doctor tells you.
Be Prepared
Knowing exactly what will happen during your appointment will help you mentally prepare for it. Call the clinic to discuss all the details of what you can expect. Take notes of any questions you think you will have based on the appointment’s agenda. Now you can be less stressed about the thought of forgetting to ask pertinent questions.
Making Going to the Doctor a Habit
The more times you visit your doctor, the easier it will get. You will begin to develop a relationship with your doctor and care team, who will work with you to make you feel comfortable.
Speaking of feeling comfortable, it is also a good idea to choose an office that has a more relaxed and less clinical feel. For example, instead of an exam table you may be used to seeing, many of our VIPcare clinics have a reclining chair that is comfortable are easier for seniors to use. You will also notice a living room feel with our additional couch and chair arrangement and artwork.
Try to Relax
Easier said than done, we know. But try doing something that calms you leading up to your appointment and as you wait in the waiting room. Listen to music, bring a book or magazine to read, or practice breathing techniques.
Beat Your Fear and Schedule Your Appointment Today
To ensure you are preventing illness and detecting any potential issues early, make sure you visit your doctor regularly. Routine care can also possibly help lower your healthcare costs, which is another reason people avoid the doctor.
Don’t let an intense fear of doctors stand in the way of seeking medical care. Schedule an appointment with a VIPcare provider today! Your doctor will help to ease your fears and concerns, helping to make you comfortable and healthy.