Tomophobia, the phobic fear caused by an invasive medical procedure - an emerging anxiety disorder: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Tomophobia refers to fear or anxiety caused by forthcoming surgical procedures and/or medical interventions. Case presentation We present the case of a 69-year-old Caucasian man who refused urgently indicated medical intervention because of severe tomophobia. Conclusion Due to the rising number of surgical interventions in modern medicine, as well as the high number of unrecognised cases of tomophobia, this common but underdiagnosed anxiety disorder should be highlighted.