Fear of illness, medically known as nosophobia or disease phobia, refers to an extreme and persistent fear of contracting a disease or serious medical illness. It is also called illness anxiety disorder. Those who suffer from it worry or overthink or become anxious about any change or discomfort, even of minor intensity, that occurs in the body and that indicates a serious illness.
There is fear in the mind of developing a serious illness such as heart disease or cancer. If they are already suffering from an illness, they have extreme thoughts that their suffering is of a very serious nature. They often think and talk to others about their illness. They get no satisfaction from visiting a doctor once, so they schedule regular doctor visits for examination, confirmation testing, and reassurance about their health status. On the contrary, some may not visit the doctor for fear of being diagnosed with a serious condition. Another symptom could be that you avoid doing certain things for fear of contracting a disease.
Some people may not want to know details about the disease as it may lead to stress or anxiety, while some people may want to know every detail of the expected disease through news, internet, doctor visits, etc. If there is a family history of a particular disease, then the fear of inheriting the same can settle in the mind.
The exact cause behind the fear of disease is still unclear. But there are some factors that are believed to play a role in it. Firstly, a family member, a relative or a close friend suffering from a serious health problem can have a deep impact on the mind and evoke the fear of being affected by the same health problem in the future.
Second, individuals who experience anxiety or have a family member who suffers from anxiety may also be at risk. Individuals suffering from OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (a mind-related health problem characterized by anxiety and unwanted thoughts in the mind that result in repetitive behaviors) are also at risk. Having a history of serious illness in childhood can also contribute to fear of illness. Another reason could be that if a disease has reached epidemic proportions, a person might be afraid of getting the same thing.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy provides a very effective treatment for cases of fear of diseases (nosophobia). Homeopathy delves deeper into the root cause of all mind-related health problems and produces wonderful results. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help relax the mind and overcome fears and anxieties naturally. These are free from any kind of toxic side effects and are non-addictive and thus can be safely used on individuals of all age groups. Homeopathic medicines are prescribed in each case based on the characteristic individual symptoms after detailed case analysis. So, it is advisable to consult a homeopathic doctor to have your case assessed and get the most suitable homeopathic prescription. In homeopathy one must avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic medicines for relieving fear of diseases
1. Arsenic album – Most recommended medicine
Arsenic Album is the most prominently indicated homeopathic medicine for controlling cases of fear of diseases. This drug is recommended for fear of various diseases. People who need it are afraid of germs and contracting infections, usually viral infections. They are especially afraid of infectious diseases (which spread from person to person through direct skin contact or by coming into contact with contaminated respiratory droplets, such as by coughing, sneezing or touching contaminated objects). They often wash their hands out of fear.
It is well indicated due to the fear of getting cancer and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Finally, it is recommended for individuals who are actually suffering from an illness, but feel that they are suffering from an incurable disease and have thoughts of death. They feel that there is no point in taking medication because their disease cannot be cured. They regularly suffer from anxiety attacks with restlessness. When they are anxious, there is shaking, cold sweats, difficulty breathing and a constricted chest. The anxiety is worse after midnight in most cases where this medicine is needed.
2. Calcarea Carb – for fear of contagious diseases
This medicine is suitable for people who are afraid of an infectious disease. These are the diseases that spread through direct skin-to-skin contact (such as fungal infections, warts) or by inhaling infected respiratory droplets through coughing, sneezing (such as colds, flu, sore throat) or by touching contaminated objects. Those who need this usually have anxiety attacks in the evening, which are accompanied by fear of death. In addition to the above reasons, it is also useful to alleviate the fear of heart disease.
3. Carcinosine – for fear of getting cancer
Carcinosine is an effective drug for cases where a person is afraid of developing cancer. It is also useful for people who think they are already suffering from cancer, when in reality they are not. They show a clear restlessness. They always rush when doing any work. They may also experience other types of fear, such as fear of the dark, crowds, death and heights.
4. Lac Caninum – Fear of developing heart disease
Lac Caninum works well for fear of heart disease or a heart attack. There is also the fear of going crazy due to excessive thoughts in the mind. In addition, Lac Caninum is useful for people who are afraid of suffering from tuberculosis or tuberculosis (an infectious disease that affects the lungs, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spread through the inhalation of respiratory droplets, sneezing and coughing of an infected person). There may also be fear of fainting and fear of death in cases where this medicine is required.
5. Medorrhinum – for fear of sexually transmitted infections
This medicine is of great help to individuals who have the fear of prolonging sexually transmitted infections (STDs) through sexual contact. In addition, Medorrhinum is indicated for cases who are afraid of getting cancer or getting angry. In addition, Medorrhinum is indicated for other general fears such as fear of the dark, being alone, animals or an impending accident.
6. Syphilinum – for fear of paralysis
Syphilinum is a useful drug when there is a marked fear of paralysis (loss of muscle function of a body part). Subsequently, this medicine is also useful in people who are afraid of developing AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This medicine can also be considered in cases where there is a marked fear of germs and infections. This keeps them washing their hands quite often. This medicine is also given in cases of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
7. Argentum Nitricum – For fear of serious diseases
This medicine is suitable for people who fear that they will definitely become infected with a serious disease. The disease is believed to be incurable, with marked hopelessness and fear. This medicine is also useful if the fear of fainting is evident. In general, this medicine is indicated when there is anticipatory fear of an event that will happen in the future. In addition to fear of illness, this medicine helps with fear of heights, crowds, darkness and fear of losing self-control. Together with the above complaints there is an impulsive tendency to do everything hastily.