How can a 30-year-old man handle his HIV fear?;

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old man. I have had an HIV phobia for the last 4 years. My only sexual exposure was 10 years ago. Six years ago, I got tested for HIV several times using rapid tests and Tridot tests- all results were negative.

However, for the past 4 years, I have been experiencing a constant burning sensation all over my body. I consulted a neurologist and underwent an NCV test, which came back normal. My vitamin B12 and D3 levels are also normal.

I have been under psychiatric treatment for the past three years, but there has been no relief. The psychiatrist prescribed me Amixide, Predulox 50 mg, Etnizex LS, and Zapiz 0.25 mg.

Doctor, is this the right treatment for my burning sensation (somatization disorder)? Please tell me whether practices like meditation or yoga can help reduce these symptoms. I have already changed five psychiatrists in the last three years, but have not found any relief. Please help.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Seeking reassurance repeatedly is a part of the anxiety spectrum and is known as a safety behavior (a coping action people use to reduce anxiety temporarily, such as repeatedly asking for reassurance or checking symptoms). This behavior actually maintains the illness instead of curing it.

You can search online about “safety behaviors and reassurance-seeking” to understand this better. The reason cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT, a talk therapy) is very effective for you is that it helps break this pattern. Our brain believes that seeking reassurance reduces anxiety, and it does, but only for a few minutes. The problem is that the anxiety returns (relapse). Therefore, if you do not let go of these reassurance-seeking behaviors, the anxiety will persist.

You cannot manage this alone; professional help is necessary.

With your negative HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test results, the most likely cause of your physical symptoms is illness anxiety disorder (where a person constantly worries about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance) or bodily distress disorder (also known as somatic symptom disorder), where emotional distress causes physical symptoms without any identifiable medical reason.

Your psychiatrists have prescribed good medicines, and these are standard treatments recommended to reduce anxiety and associated physical sensations.

However, one important component is missing in your treatment: CBT and mindfulness exercises. These are considered the first-line treatments. There is strong evidence from research supporting the effectiveness of these therapies, often even more than medicines alone.

Yes, meditation and yoga are highly beneficial and have proven health benefits. They are evidence-based and form a part of mindfulness practices and CBT. Many research studies have confirmed their effectiveness in reducing anxiety and improving physical well-being.

My honest suggestion is not to keep changing psychiatrists. I understand that you haven’t found much relief yet, but frequently changing doctors won’t help your recovery. Continue taking your medicines as they are useful, and combine them with CBT and mindfulness exercises, such as:

Progressive muscle relaxation (a technique where you slowly tense and relax different muscle groups to reduce physical tension).
Deep breathing exercises (help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety).

These techniques are easily available online. They take some time to show results, but with regular practice, you will gradually notice improvement.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to discuss them.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.