There are others who will do absolutely anything to avoid getting HIV even if their behavior is clearly unreasonable.
They may fear that stains on a piece of clothing are evidence of HIV-infected blood.
Causes
The reasons people develop phobias like this are not clearly understood.
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Somemental healthexperts believe that the cause may be geneticsa propensity to develop phobias as part of your genetic makeup.
Others believe that phobias are a result of adverse events and experiences in a persons life.
A fear of water, for example, may result from knowing someone who drowned.
Another factor may be guilt from an act the person perceives as being wrong.
In the minds of people with HIV phobia, HIV may be the inevitable result of a wrongful act.
Culture often plays a big role in an HIV phobia.
In many cases, the phobia will have nothing at all to do with HIV.
Sitting with a trained mental health professional usually helps.
Treatment can involve one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or family counseling.
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