Monday, September 23, 2013

Phthisiophobia: The Fear of Tuberculosis

Phthisiophobia is the abnormal and persistent fear of Tuberculosis.  Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs, but may also affect the kidneys, spine and brain.  It can be a fatal infection without proper treatment.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, Tuberculosis was once the leading cause of death in the United States.  Phthisiophobia is also known as Tuberculophobia.
A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

Do you suffer from Phthisiophobia?  Please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?

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