A.I.D.S. Induces New Kind Of Hypochondriac (Press, 19 August 1988)

A psychologist, Mr Larry Harmon, has revealed that the AIDS crisis has given rise to a new form of hypochondria, characterised by individuals who believe they are infected with the HIV virus despite having medical evidence proving otherwise. Speaking at the American Psychological Association's annual meeting, Harmon outlined cases he has treated where persistent fears of infection continue even after patients have undergone multiple blood tests over the course of a year. The underlying anxiety often stems from guilt associated with past sexual encounters, such as extramarital affairs or experiences with sex workers. Harmon noted that this acute fear, referred to as “A.F.R.A.1.D.5.” (acute fear regarding AIDS), disrupts patients' daily lives. Those afflicted might refuse intimacy with their spouses, fearing transmission of the virus, and report heightened anxiety that impacts their ability to focus at work. In severe instances, like one patient he reported on, individuals can become so distressed that they avoid contact with close family members, such as newborn babies, out of fear of spreading the virus. He described how symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and general malaise are frequently misinterpreted by these individuals as indicators of AIDS, leading to further health anxiety. For instance, a man who had an extramarital affair became convinced he had contracted the virus after experiencing typical anxiety-related symptoms following a sermon linking AIDS to sin. Even with a negative HIV test result, his fears persisted, demonstrating how deeply ingrained the anxiety can be. Harmon has treated ten patients with this condition over the last two years and acknowledges that other psychologists are witnessing similar cases, though precise statistics on the prevalence of this condition are not available. He explained that these fears are often intensified by societal stigma surrounding the disease, particularly since HIV/AIDS is commonly associated with sexual transmission primarily among homosexual males and other high-risk behaviours, such as sharing needles among drug users. In treating these patients, Harmon emphasises the importance of educating them on the realities of AIDS and helping them recognise their tendency to overly scrutinise benign symptoms. He advises his patients to carry copies of their negative blood tests to reduce anxiety and encourages them to engage more with their current environment, rather than fixating on past feelings of guilt. The ongoing threat of AIDS remains significant as there is currently no known cure for the virus, which targets the immune system and leaves its victims vulnerable to a myriad of infections and cancers.

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