Specific phobia case: (illness phobia of HIV/Aids)
Michael was a 23-year-old final-year student nurse who lived athome with his parents. He developed a terrifying fear of ‘catchingHIV’ and dying of Aids. He had intrusive unwanted thoughts andimages when at work, that somehow the virus had entered his skin(although there were no cuts and he took appropriate precautions).He stated that when exposed to bloodrelated stimuli he felt veryanxious, and his conviction in this belief that he was infected was75 per cent, but afterwards he only believed it 15 percent.
On occasions he has panicked and left the ward he was working onuntil his panic subdued, informing colleagues that he had a problemwith asthma and nausea. His fears were worse at work, when givingblood, and in public toilets. He worried excessively about allphysical feelings, which he believed were signs and symptoms ofHIV/Aids. Because of his fears he constantly checked his whole bodyfor any possible signs, read extensively about HIV/Aids and woretwo or three pairs of protective gloves. He avoided all publictoilets, thinking about his fears, and had begun to take time offwork repeatedly. As a consequence of his time absent from work hewas asked to an occupational health review but was consideringleaving his training course.
In your opinion, what are the Personality information, Symptoms,Assessment methods, and Treatment. With explanation please.
