Fear of Doctors Iatrophobia is the condition of having an extreme fear of doctors or any medical authority. The fear of doctors, along with medical phobia, fear of needles, and being afraid of medical treatment could keep you from seeking needed medical attention. Because of such fears, you may be delaying or completely avoiding a doctor's appointment, which could have negative effects on your health. Having iatrophobia or any medical phobia could be crucial for your health and well-being. Your decision-making may be clouded because of fear, which in turn could cause you to overlook the importance of medical assistance. Many people hate visiting hospitals or doctors. They feel gloomy or scared from the smell of hospital beds or the sight of needles. There are various reasons for such condition. Some people are afraid of doctors because of an unforgettable experience, but for all the wrong reasons. Some people are afraid of doctors because of the image they project or the reputation they have. The image or reputation of having to treat illnesses and having to engage in life-threatening surgeries may intimidate people. Generally, people are afraid of doctors because of their fear of the unknown. They often do not know what the doctor's diagnosis would be, or the medical procedure they would have to endure. In addition, doctors are generally cold to their patients. Though not entirely indifferent, they tend to be personally and emotionally unattached, which could scare someone who lacks emotional strength or needs emotional support. For some, the association of doctors with painful things may be too daunting a situation to partake in. Imagine needles and scalpels, now who would not be afraid? Lastly, doctors could be viewed as the bearer of bad news, which could make people fear even the sight of them, especially when it involves the health of loved ones. However, even if doctors look scary, there are ways on how you could overcome your fear and be able to treat doctors as friends and confidantes. Just do not bother your physician with heart problems--that is “love” heart and not “organ” heart—because you would need a different doctor for that. Shrink, anyone? Tips on How to Get Rid of Iatrophobia There are various ways on how to eliminate the fear of doctors. No, you do not necessarily have to go through med school yourself. Just follow these simple tips and you could be on your way to stalking as many doctors as you want:

• Cherish, Appreciate, and Learn. This is relating to your biology and chemistry classes, or any medical curriculum for that matter. By treating these subject matters with interest, you could learn a lot of things regarding various aspects of human existence and the anatomy. The acquired knowledge would then help you establish a more positive view about doctors. You would understand the importance of doctors and the need to take care of one's body, which in turn would eliminate symptoms of iatrophobia.
• Talk to Your Doctor. Get to know your doctor better. Ask about his or her credentials or past experiences. This could establish an amicable relationship built on trust and being comfortable with each other. A friendly doctor would certainly help. Communication is key to gaining trust and understanding.
• Ask Questions. By simply asking tons of questions, your fear would subside and you would feel more comfortable about the procedure. Also, by conversing with your doctor, you could actually establish a friendly relationship between the two of you. Do not be shy about asking questions. Do not worry about confidentiality. Doctors are not gossip-mongers, or are they? You pay your doctor, so at least get your money's worth.
• Remember the Role of Your Doctor. Do not forget that your doctor is there to help you get through any discomfort or health problem. He or she would do everything in his or her powers to cure you, which is why a sense of security should be established once you have chosen your doctor. Your doctor could be your savior, you reckon?
• Keep Up with Your Medical Schedule. Visit your doctor regularly. By doing this, you would not feel scared of your doctor, but would just treat him or her as your quarterly (or monthly, yearly) pal. Familiarity brings about personal comfort and a diminished fear of the unknown. Besides, having regular doctor's appointment could help you maintain a healthy body and lifestyle. You do not have to worry about undetected cysts or tumors, which is scarier than anything else. Doctors? No where close!
• Be in Control. Know what is going on around you. Demand information regarding procedures and everything that is medically relevant. By having control of the situation, you would not be kept in the dark, which would likely result in a more positive outlook.
• Try to Ignore the Fear. Easier said than done. However, if you do manage to visualize an environment without any fear factor, then you could go through any medical procedure without the debilitating phobia. Try not to think about doctors. The more you think about them, the more anxious you would get. Better think about attractive nurses, female or male, or both, depending on your preference.
• Research About the Phobia. Knowledge is power! This is very true when dealing with phobias. By having information about your fear, you would be able to develop a sense of responsibility and urgency. By knowing the disadvantages of having such fear, you would realize the importance of getting rid of it.
• Stick with Your Doctor if Possible. You would probably want to stay with a doctor that you could be comfortable with and knows your history. By switching doctors like changing clothes, you may never feel comfortable with the whole medical scene. As much as possible, go with a doctor who already knows you, at least on a professional level. By sticking with your doctor, iatrophobia may be eliminated completely, considering the comfort level you probably have achieved by then.
• Join Someone for a Doctor's Appointment. If a friend or family member of yours has to go to a doctor's office, join him or her. This would allow you to acclimate yourself to a fearful environment. Once you have attained familiarity and courage in relation to doctors or doctor's offices, you would be able to face, and eventually overcome, your fear.
• Take Something or Someone with You. When you are about to visit a doctor, it could be helpful to bring something or someone with you. Facing your fear could make you really anxious, which is why focusing your nervous energy towards something or someone could alleviate the tension. A book, magazine, or toy could make you forget about the doctor's appointment or at least distract you from the procedure you are about to face. A friend or family member could also help you relax by distracting you from the challenge ahead via conversation and physical support.

At the end of the day, you would have to face your fear of doctors. If you are so afraid of facing your fear, you probably prefer to face death instead. Now that is a fear which is much harder to overcome. Deal with your fear and live a healthier and more peaceful life. With great inner strength comes emotional and mental stability. Forget about doctors, just worry about your health. No need to be a hypochondriac as well.