4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Do you have a strong fear of contracting a specific disease? Does it cause problems in your daily life? Then you may be suffering from nosophobia. Here we explain what it is and how you can get help.
What is nosophobia?
Nosophobia is an exaggerated fear of contracting a specific disease or health condition. People suffering from nosophobia often worry that they will become seriously ill, despite a lack of medical evidence to support it. This fear can become so intense that it affects the person’s daily life and decision-making. This can lead to anxiety and avoidance behaviors to protect themselves from the disease they fear.
Nosophobia differs from health anxiety, where the individual is more generally concerned about their health and often interprets ordinary bodily sensations as signs of serious illnesses. Nosophobia instead focuses on a specific disease or health condition, such as HIV, cardiovascular disease or cancer.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counsellors
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
What causes nosophobia?
Nosophobia develops from psychological, biological and environmental factors. Individuals with a tendency towards anxiety problems may be particularly susceptible. Additionally, personal or family history of illness may reinforce this fear.
Individuals who find themselves searching for disease information on the internet may increase disease-related anxiety. Family dynamics, such as growing up in an overprotective environment or one where health is discussed in an anxiety-inducing way, can also play a role. Additionally, biological aspects such as genetic predisposition to anxiety can also increase the risk for developing nosophobia. Personality traits such as perfectionism or excessive caution can further increase the risk of developing nosophobia.
How common are phobias?
According to the Canadian Psychological Association, around one in 10 Canadians experience phobias. These can range from common phobias such as claustrophobia, fear of heights, social phobia, and snake phobia, to lesser known ones such as a fear of clusters of holes (trypophobia).
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
Symptoms of nosophobia
The symptoms of nosophobia can vary depending on the individual but tend to include both psychological and physical signs. Psychologically, people with nosophobia may experience constant worry or anxiety about the possibility of contracting a specific disease, even in the absence of medical evidence. This worry can be so severe that it affects their daily functioning and decision-making.
Physical symptoms that can occur due to the anxiety. This includes heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, breathing difficulties, stomach problems and sleep problems. Individuals may also engage in excessive checking of body signals or symptoms, frequent visits to the doctor without medical reasons, or compulsive research of diseases on the internet.
It is important to note that nosophobia is more than just an occasional health concern. It is a persistent fear that can affect functioning in daily life and may require professional treatment to manage effectively.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counsellor
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
Treatment for nosophobia
Treatment for nosophobia involves reducing the anxiety and fear associated with the disease. It also involves improving the individual’s coping mechanisms and daily functioning. Treatment strategies may include:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in treating various phobias, including nosophobia. CBT helps individuals to identify and challenge the irrational thoughts that contribute to their fear and to learn new, more healthy ways of thinking and behaving in relation to their fear of disease. It can also include exposure by gradually approaching the fear in different ways.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce the anxiety and stress associated with nosophobia.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of anxiety that often accompany nosophobia. Medication is often used in combination with therapy for best results.
Treatment should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances, and a combination of treatments may be most effective. It is important for people suffering from nosophobia to seek professional help to manage their condition.
Seeking help can change your life
Nosophobia is not something you need to deal with on your own. Talking to a professional therapist or psychologist can not only help you understand your condition better but also offer effective methods to overcome your concerns. You are not alone and it is okay to ask for help. On our website, we have qualified therapists and licensed psychologists who are happy to help you.
Your next step
If you or someone you know is struggling with nosophobia, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional therapist or psychologist. We assure you that all therapists and psychologists on our platform are qualified and that your conversation is always confidential. Don’t be afraid to take the first step.
12 frequently asked questions about nosophobia
What is nosophobia?
Nosophobia is an exaggerated fear of contracting a specific disease or health condition.
What diseases can you be afraid of?
Nosophobia focuses on a specific disease or health condition, such as HIV, cardiovascular disease or cancer.
How does nosophobia differ from health anxiety?
Nosophobia differs from health anxiety, where individuals are more generally concerned about their health and often interpret ordinary bodily sensations as signs of serious illnesses. Nosophobia is instead focused on a specific disease or health condition.
How do phobias differ from ordinary fears?
Ordinary fear is a natural reaction to an actual danger, while a phobia is an exaggerated fear that has no rational explanation. Phobias can be triggered even when there is no actual risk.
Are phobias common?
Yes, phobias are one of the most common forms of mental health problems. It is estimated that a significant proportion of the population suffers from at least one form of phobia.
What are the symptoms of nosophobia?
The symptoms of nosophobia can vary depending on the individual but tend to include both psychological and physical manifestations, like worry, palpitations, dizziness and other symptoms of anxiety.
What causes nosophobia?
Nosophobia develops from psychological, biological and environmental factors. Individuals with a tendency towards anxiety problems may be particularly susceptible, and personal or family history of illness may reinforce this fear.
Is it possible to get rid of a phobia?
Yes, with the right treatment and support, phobic symptoms can be treated. However, it usually requires the help of a licensed psychologist or therapist.
How does treatment work?
Treatment can vary but often involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and medication if necessary.
Can you avoid doctors, hospitals and medication if you have nosophobia?
You can avoid things related to the disease you are afraid of if you have nosophobia, but it is possible to get help.
What is cognitive behavioural therapy?
CBT is an active evidence-based treatment method that works with thoughts, feelings and behaviours in different situations to improve quality of life and overcome certain symptoms.
Where can I turn if I need help?
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists working with CBT who can help you feel better if you have mild to moderate symptoms. If you have more severe symptoms, you can contact your healthcare centre to get a referral to a specialist psychiatrist. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call 911, call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
What does treatment for nosophobia involve?
Seeking treatment for nosophobia can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are not alone in your journey to overcome your fear. There is help available and here is an idea of what it might look like:
1. Understanding and assessment
The first step is to understand that you have a phobia and that it is okay to seek help for it. A professional will help you evaluate your situation and understand what is causing your fear.
2. Psychoeducation and objectives
You will learn about your phobia and how it affects you both physically and mentally. It is important to understand what happens in your body, thoughts and feelings when the fear occurs. You will also set goals for your treatment.
3. Tools to change behaviours and patterns
This works on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to the fear. This will help you develop a more nuanced understanding and increase your ability to manage the phobia. Exposure therapy can be scary, but it is an effective way to gradually face your fears. Together with your therapist, you will explore situations that trigger your phobia and learn how to deal with them. You will also have homework to practice between sessions.
4. Medication (if needed)
In some cases, doctors may suggest medication to help with anxiety symptoms. This is something you and your doctor can discuss if appropriate.
5. Follow up and evaluate progress
You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing to maintain your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. Together, we can make the difficult easier.
Read more
