Fear or Phobia
Fear is defined as the emotion that takes hold of someone in the face of a threat of harm or pain. It includes pain, upset, terror, or agitation. However, fear, as a healthy reaction, refers to the cool and objective assessment of a harmful situation and the logical and prudent precautions taken so that the threat does not materialize. This course of action demonstrates foresight and courage.
On the other hand, phobia is a pathological emotion. It refers to the excessive fear of an object or situation. It is characterized by intense anxiety about a condition that the sufferer must absolutely avoid.
In everyday medical practice, fear and phobias constantly alternate between the parties involved. Both the doctor and the patient occasionally express reservations, skepticism or even open objections to proposed treatment regimens, diagnostic procedures or the series of procedures. The patient’s environment and the nursing staff also participate emotionally in what happens during the development of a medical case.
The doctor, in my opinion, must initially perceive as a healthy fear any objection of the patient to something that is proposed to him.
If the fear is not confirmed, then the patient should be encouraged to overcome his reservations and go along with his doctor.
Considering fear, a phobia, on the part of the doctor, can lead to disastrous consequences.
Recognizing the God-given gift of instinct in his patient (a gift reserved only for children and animals) the doctor will listen to him and allow him to influence his decisions. He will almost certainly not regret it.
In summary, it is a communication art to distinguish healthy fear from morbid phobia. The apt recognition of the emotion will largely determine the patient’s final outcome.
