Question about getting HIV?

For years and years now I have had a paralyzing fear of contracting HIV. I am a 24 year old caucasian male (heterosexual); I have never used drugs, never had sex with anyone who has had HIV; and never had contact with the any infected blood. Yet, I compulsively worry about contracting HIV from casual contact with any strangers, from drinking from the same glass as anyone else or breathing the air in the city (New York City). This worry is severely inhibiting my ability to have meaningful social contact with others, and to establish any meaningful and intimate relationship with another woman (having been 2 years since my last relationship). I constantly get tested for HIV--all results are negative. I don't like to be demeaning to people, but if I so much as shook the hand of someone with HIV, i think I would have a nervous breakdown. What can I do to prevent this fear from taking over my life? Does anyone know what psychiatric condition this suggests, and what treatment is available?

Obsessive Compulsivity... dont' feel bad... when you mentally obsess over a fear so much that it overtakes your life, you know you have a problem. There is no way in hell, ever, under no circumstances you can contract AIDS from a glass of water or a handshake. You know this in your heart of hearts, but you've actually developed a phobia. You probably would benefit from counselling as this seems to have overtaken control of your life. Sort it out as soon as you can before it inhibits you any more. Be honest with the counsellor/psychiatrist, or even just your GP doctor.

its called a phobia. when the fear becomes irrational, which it has in the way you describe yourself then its a phobia and is no longer based on the actual reality. i suggest you talk to a psychologist who can help you find the root cause of the fear and give you strategies to overcome it.
also keep in mind that while you fear HIV from casual contact you are actually much more likely to contract other potentially deadly diseases from casual contact. like TB is a good example, it is contracted through the air while HIV is not. not to freak you out even more but if you know that fact and continue to feel the way you do, then you definetly need some professional hep because this phobia will become worse over time. good luck!

Many people have this fear because of how HIV is delivered to us as intensely destructive and dangerous in the media. I honestly am very afraid of contracting HIV from casual contact, as are a good amount of people. However, it worries me that this fear is affecting your ability to function. I am not sure if there is a name for what you are describing but I highly recommend speaking to a psychologist primarily who may, if need be, refer you to a psychiatrist. Phobias can be detrimental to a fulfilling life, and it seems like you want to have one. I suffered from a debilitating social disorder for most of my life and seeing someone really helped.

Good luck:-)

Paranoid personality disorder.
A psychiatrist can treat it completely.

good luck

TREATMENT OF PARANOIA

Paranoid people's mistrustfulness makes treatment of the condition difficult. Rarely will they talk casually in an interview. They are suspicious of the kind of open-ended questions many therapists rely on to learn about the patient's history (for example, "Tell me about your relationships with your co-workers."). They may try to avoid hospitalization and drugs, fearing a loss of control or other real or imagined dangers.

Drug Treatment

Treatment with appropriate antipsychotic drugs may help the paranoid patient overcome some symptoms. Although the patient's functioning may be improved, the paranoid symptoms often remain intact. Some studies indicate that symptoms improve following drug treatment, but the same results sometimes occur among patients who receive a placebo, a "sugar pill" without active ingredients. This finding suggests that in some cases the paranoia diminishes for psychological reasons rather than because of the drug's action. Paranoid patients receiving medication must be closely monitored. Their fearfulness and persecutory delusions often lead them to refuse or sabotage treatment--for example, by holding the drug in their cheek until they are alone and then spitting it out.

Psychotherapy

Reports on individual cases suggest that the regular opportunity to express suspicions and self-doubts afforded by psychotherapy can help the paranoid patient function in the community. Although paranoid ideas do seem to persist, they may be less disruptive. Other types of psychotherapy that have reportedly led to improved social functioning without appreciably diminishing paranoid delusions are art therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.

hmm...i'm no doctor, so i can't tell u exactly what it is...but u've got an issue.....and it MUST be dealt with right now.

u can't let this stuff sit..it'll spread to another fear of another disease...................

take control of your mind, and emotions....go see a counselor.
doesn't sound like you need meds at all, unless the fear is depressing you or you have extremely anxiety.

i mean, CALL TODAY for an appt.

it's ur mental health...i bet if you broke your leg, or had symptoms of something, you'd knocked people over to get inside the hosp..............mental health is part of ur overall health, we just have diff. type of doctors for that kinda stuff.
bye bye

My suggestion is that you should come here and hug me . I am HIV+ and have been for 6 years. Do you touch your family memebersthey could have HIV/AIDS and be to ashamed to tell you . I know not all my family (uncle,aunts,cousin, grandparents ..etc..) knows of my status. HIV is only transmitted through blood. not a hand shake or hug. I myself have served many people at restaurants and coffee shops for the last 6 years .
Hey mybe you?