Fear of tuberculosis (phthisiophobia)

Phthisiophobia is a fear of tuberculosis, often called TB. A persistent cough, recent travel or a news story about TB can all bring it to the surface. If you have a cough that will not go away, night sweats or other real symptoms, check them with a GP.

About this phobia

The name comes from phthisis, an old Greek word for wasting that was long used for tuberculosis. The fear was more widely discussed when TB was a common cause of illness, and the term now survives mainly in lists and older writing. Today it fits within health anxiety focused on a particular illness.

What it feels like

• Alarm at every cough, your own or someone else’s
• Avoiding crowded places, hospitals or certain travel
• Frequent checking of symptoms or seeking reassurance

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is TB still something to worry about in the UK?

TB still occurs in the UK but is uncommon, and it is treated with medical care. Your GP can advise if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it. If worry about TB carries on even after reassurance, support for health anxiety can help.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices