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Ask the Experts about Mental Health and HIV
need reassurance about my anxiety!
Aug 28, 2008
hi dr horwath!..i recently developed an hiv phobia i guess you can say. i dont know where it came from but its giving me such bad anxiety. i do not do drugs nor have unprotected sex but yet still feel that it can happen through normal everyday occurences.(when i know it cant) for instance i was in the city one night out and felt a sharp poke in my arm. i started freaking out thinking someone crazy pricked me. i know this shouldnt be a reason to be concerned but isnt it better to be safe then sorry? or do u just think its my paranoia kicking in. im actually really concerned about it but wouldnt i have seen a dot of blood or my arm would have at least hurt or something? i might be acting totally irrational to most people but im really nervous and would like to hear what u think. everyone keeps saying that if in any way i got "poked" or "pricked" i would definitely know, not just think i did..anyway thank you for all your hard work!
Response from Dr. Horwath
You are suffering from an anxiety disorder and should seek treatment.
You are not at risk for HIV infection.
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