Email 408: Another HIV Anxiety Syndrome Case

Posted by Pozziepinoy on 6:39 PM

Hi Pozziepinoy,

Normal ba na maging paranoid pa rin ako about hiv even though i already tested negative. It has been 3 months since i had my last encounter (it was actually protected sex) and i got screened last week, it turned out negative and the nurse told me that it is already conclusive since it is already past three months.

The problem is i still get this irrational fear.

What has been giving me anxiety right now is that i think the nurse who got my blood used the same needle that she's used to get the blood of the person before me. (Maybe because i just didn't see her replace the needles). I still haven't gotten over this anxiety.

Do you think i already need mental help? I hope to hear from you soon.

Thanks.


POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi.

Thank you for your email.

I have received a lot of emails and have answered a lot of phone calls about this HIV Anxiety Syndrome. Some people have anxiety over even the lowest possible HIV risk and some even with no risk of transmission at all. Some, like in your case, still got the feeling that they have HIV even though the HIV test has been negative after taking it beyond three or six months post exposure. I tell you, this happens.

However, people can control this anxiety attacks by:

1. Getting the facts from the HIV doctor. You can schedule a consultation and let the HIV doctor or any infectious disease doctor read your HIV test result.

2. Talk to a psychiatrist. This doesn't mean that you are crazy or something, but if these paranoia and anxiety attacks are meddling wth your daily life and your normal way of thinking, then it is about time that you get the best advice from a psychiatrist. Usually the doctor will analyze where your anxiety is coming from and trust me, it will help in venting out all your concerns to a specialist.

I have talked to some people who have the same problems but after a series of HIV tests which confirmed that they are truly HIV negative, that they begin to believe that what they have in the paper is true. If you feel that you need to do the tests, over and over again, then just do it. It is anyway for your peace of mind.

You can check this blog entry that I wrote before:


I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.


Stay healthy,
Pozziepinoy


"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-



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