My friend is obessed with AIDS (see other thread).

He has believed twice now that the person performing the oral test on him purposely gave give HIV.

He is 100% convinced he has AIDS. A 42yr old man is completely in despair- cried many times before the test results. Perhaps 15 tests in the last 7 months.

His life is gone and he thinks of nothing but AIDS. Doesn't leave the house except to get food, mail sits unopened for the last few months...

He thinks the woman doing the oral test gave him AIDS because the color of the swab was *slightly* yellow- according to him.

The swab test came back negative.

He says that all the HIV was transfered from the swab to him.

Although he now belives (after 3 PCR DNA blood tests) that he is HIV I negative- he may have HIV II.

He thinks of nothing but this. Psychologist and Psychiatrist haven't helped at all in the past month...in fact, he's worse.

What are the medical chances of someone being able to purposely give another person HIV via a swab and the swab test coming out negative.

Oh. Even though the swab was opened right in front of him he believes she somehow sealed it back up after transfering HIV II.

hi
I feel your friend's pain. Although I am not AS paranoid, I have come close. I suffer from OCD so I know how rough it can be. IS your friend on any meds?
I am heartbroken for him now. I have been there in other health related worries but HIV has been on my mind as well. I tend to think my dr is always hiding the truth from me. He practically has to swear up and down that he is not lying. He should come here and talk to Chris. Maybe he can ease your friend's mind.

good luck

Hi, Orlando! You know, trying to convince your friend that he doesn't have HIV is probably alot like trying to convince people in Salem, Mass. that witches don't exist. For whatever reason, this is his demon and try as you might I doubt that you can have any real, long-lasting impact. You see, we are attempting to use rational, cognitive thought with someone who, for whatever reason, has ceased to be rational. It would be interesting to know why he has this particular obsession and not some other (although none of them are particularly pretty). Do you know his history or cultural and religious background? For example, if he participated in a sexual activity that, all along his family or his culture, have taught to be wrong or bad or sinful then he would assume that punishment for that activity would be HIV.

I have cared for patients who were convinced that they "deserved" HIV because they were gay. It is a treacherous road to travel. Keep me posted.

Oh, about the 'health worker" question? You could catch HIV from a heatlh worker if that person was HIV+ and you had sex with that person. Otherwise, not a chance. chris

Well, he is catholic. Does the sign of the cross right before eating anything all the time.

He says he isn't guilty about being gay- but I'm not sure I believe that.

He had another swab test yesterday- it was negative...again.

He said that helped "a bit".

He's on Lexapro now- just started it 2 days ago.

The guy is really far removed from any logic. :(