Accepted Answer

Hi and welcome

Your husband's fear of illness, HIV is part of OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He is experiencing obsessive thoughts and fear about being ill. Until he can see a psychiatrist or therapist to get to the root of his fear, try ordering this book. I use it in therapy for my patients and it works well. Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts: How to Gain Control of Your OCD by Christine, Ph.D. Purdon and David A. Clark (Paperback - Oct 2005). It is available online at Amazon (that's where I get my copies). He can also practice breathing exercises (breath in to count of 4, hold it for 4 counts and slowly breath out to count 4) while doing this he says to himself (or out loud) " I am healthy, I am healthy". Part of the dynamics of obsessive thinking and many other disorders, is what we call automatic thoughts, these are thoughts we automatically think, and are detrimental to our mental health. If he becomes aware of his automatic thoughts he can tell himself to "stop" and replace the thought with "I am healthy". For example: when he starts to think I have HIV, he says Stop!!! he literally has to stop and replace the thought with a "healthy" thought. It takes time but may allow him some peace while waiting for his appointment. I hope this is helpful.
Dr. Keane
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Expert:	Dr.Keane
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Answered:	5/26/2009

Psychologist

Clinical Psychology PHD, Licensed Professional Counselor, Marriage/Family, Teens, Child Psychology,