HIV. Among the more common manifestations of blood-focused OCD is an obsession with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the boogeyman of health anxiety. It is the virus that causes AIDS, it is incurable (as of this writing), and it is loaded with all kinds of stigma and misconceptions.
Additionally, can fear of HIV cause symptoms?
Worry and stress can cause symptoms that people then assume is HIV. If you are not sleeping you will feel tired and anxious. A health advisor can talk you through these fears. This can often be made worse if you feel ashamed or guilty.
Likewise, can OCD go away?
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms generally wax and wane over time. Because of this, many individuals diagnosed with OCD may suspect that their OCD comes and goes or even goes away—only to return. However, as mentioned above, obsessive-compulsive traits never truly go away. Instead, they require ongoing management.
How do I get over my phobia of HIV?
In many cases, the phobia will have nothing at all to do with HIV. Sitting with a trained mental health professional usually helps. Treatment can involve one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or family counseling.
What helps contaminated OCD?
Like all types of OCD, Contamination OCD can be treated with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically with treatment approaches called Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Mindful-Based CBT teaches patients that everyone experiences intrusive thoughts.
Why do I feel everything is dirty?
Degradation, humiliation, hurtful criticism and betrayal can all cause mental contamination. Patients can experience feelings of dirtiness from direct contact with the person who wronged them, or from indirect means such as images or other reminders of that person.