Why the Fear of Doctors or Iatrophobia Is so Common

Since most people do not enjoy visiting a doctor, it can be difficult to know whether your symptoms of iatrophobia is a full-blown phobia.

But there are a few signs that may show if your fear is out of proportion with normal anxiety towards doctor's visits.

• Obsessive worrying. You may find it difficult to focus on other things. You may experience feelings of panic once you have reached the doctor's office.
• Other illness-related phobias. You may worry that you need to see a doctor for minor ailments, fearing they will require medical treatment.
• Postponing doctor appointments. You may put off checkups or even suffer through relatively serious illnesses on your own.
• Dentophobia. The fear of dentists often occurs alongside iatophobia.
• Whitecoat hypertension. The stress of seeing a doctor may raise your blood pressure to a clinically significant level.