Medical needle phobia is an excessive fear of medical procedures that require the use of needles, and is closely related to the fear of injections, pins, or sharp instruments. People with needle phobia are particularly anxious about needles used in the medical field. This phobia is most common among children. In this report, we will review in Dalili Medical some tips and causes of fear of needles, in addition to ways to calm yourself and relieve anxiety associated with injection needles.

What are the signs of needle phobia (fear of needles)?

 

Signs include an intense feeling of fear, panic, or anxiety when seeing needles or injections.

What are the causes of fear of holes?

 

This fear may result from previous painful experiences with needles or injections.

How is phobia of holes diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis is made by conducting a psychological evaluation and reviewing the patient's medical history.

What treatments are available to deal with fear of holes?

 

Treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and sometimes medications that help relieve anxiety.

Can trypanophobia be controlled through treatment?

 

Yes, treatment can help reduce individuals’ sensitivity and manage their fear of needles.

What is the fear of trypanosomes?

 

Trypanophobia is defined as an excessive fear or aversion to needles and injections. This phobia can lead to intense feelings of anxiety and distress, which negatively impacts physical and mental health. Although the term “trypanophobia” may not be common, this condition is remarkably common and affects people of all ages.

What causes trypanophobia?

 

There is no specific cause for trypanophobia, but it is believed that this phobia may arise as a result of a traumatic event or learned behaviors from childhood. Some people also believe that the fear of needles may have genetic roots, making it an innate condition. The causes of trypanophobia can be summarized as follows:

**Genetic and environmental factors**

Trypanophobia can be traced back to genetic and environmental influences. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing this phobia. Anxiety disorders may also manifest in the form of specific phobias such as trypanophobia. Additionally, negative experiences with needles during childhood, such as painful vaccinations or medical procedures, can lead to the development of this fear.

**Psychological triggers** For many people, the sight of a needle or the anticipation of pain triggers a fight-or-flight response. This response is rooted in the body’s instinctive response to perceived threats, resulting in symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and nausea.

Hypersensitivity to pain

Anxiety about restrictions, which may arise when receiving an injection

Painful or negative memories that the sight of a needle conjures up

Fainting when seeing or touching a needle

Who is at risk for developing a medical needle phobia?

 

There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing a medical needle phobia, including:

- Previous negative or painful experiences with needles.

- A family history of medical needle phobia.

- Other health or medication-related concerns, such as phobia or germaphobia.

- Other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or generalized anxiety.

**Symptoms of injection phobia**

Symptoms of injection phobia appear when you see a needle directly, and some people may develop symptoms when they hear the word "syringe" or "needle." Symptoms include:

- Intense, irrational fear.

- High or low blood pressure.

- Irregular heartbeat.

- Shortness of breath.

- Tremors or convulsions.

- Panic attacks.

- Loss of consciousness.

**How ​​is medical injection phobia diagnosed and treated?**

 

Medical injection phobia is diagnosed using the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) issued by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), which checks for certain characteristics. There is no single way to treat this phobia, and it may take trying multiple strategies to relieve symptoms. Specialists may suggest the following:

Exposure therapy involves gradually introducing the specific fear into your life. The therapist may show you pictures of medical needles, or ask you to approach a needle, or even hold one. The goal is to change your physical and mental response to the sight of needles over time.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as talk therapy, focuses on discussing your fears with a therapist. You’ll learn new coping techniques and different ways of thinking about medical needles, which can help you gain more control over your symptoms. Sometimes, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other related medications may be prescribed to help reduce anxiety. Benzodiazepines can also be effective in the short term.

Exposure therapy is similar to CBT, focusing on changing your mental and physical response to your fear of needles. Your therapist will expose you to needles and the thoughts associated with them; for example, your therapist may start by showing you pictures of needles, then move on to offering you real needles to handle.

Medication is needed when a person is too anxious to accept therapy. Anti-anxiety medications and sedatives can help provide enough relaxation to ease symptoms.

**How ​​can I overcome my fear of medical needles?**

 

For many people, the fear of medical needles may never go away completely. But you can learn strategies to help ease symptoms, such as avoiding looking at the needle or the injection itself.

You can take a support person, such as a spouse, friend, or family member, with you to medical appointments.

Try distracting yourself by twiddling your toes, focusing on a piece of art on the wall, or talking to someone while you’re getting an injection. Watching a video or playing a game can also help keep your mind occupied.

If you’ve been feeling dizzy orIf you have previously lost consciousness, try lying on your back before the injection.

Practice deep breathing techniques, such as counting to four as you inhale and exhale.

Relax the muscle that will receive the injection to reduce the feeling of pain.

You may ask for a numbing agent, such as a numbing spray, to reduce the sensation in the area before the injection.

Don’t hesitate to tell the person giving you the injection or drawing your blood about your fears of medical injections.

Having a health care professional explain the procedure to you may help reduce your anxiety about injections.

Learning and using hypnosis or relaxation techniques can also be helpful in dealing with this phobia.

Are there other conditions that make me more likely to be at risk?

 

You may be more likely to develop a phobia of medical injections if you have another mental health diagnosis, such as:

- Germ phobia.

- Pathophobia.

- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

- Post-traumatic stress disorder.

Are there long-term effects of a phobia of medical injections?

 

Untreated, a phobia of medical needles can have serious consequences, as the fear may cause you to delay or forgo necessary medical care. If you have a chronic health condition, avoiding medical care due to this type of phobia can significantly increase your risk of health complications. In a medical emergency, delaying or avoiding care can have serious consequences, including death. However, many people can manage their symptoms of fear of medical needles with treatment. Treatments or medications can help reduce anxiety enough to get medical care. For example, people with type 1 diabetes who are afraid of needles may have trouble controlling their blood glucose levels. Studies also suggest that people with a phobia of needles may avoid getting vaccinations such as the flu or tetanus toxoid vaccine. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 10 people may delay getting the COVID-19 vaccine due to a phobia of needles. Parents or caregivers with this phobia may be reluctant to let doctors vaccinate their children. People with a phobia of injections may be at higher risk for serious illnesses as a result of avoiding vaccinations or necessary medical care.

How can you help them overcome their phobia of medical injections?

 

Children are more likely to be afraid of injections than adults, and they may develop a phobia of injections. If your child is anxious about getting an injection, you can support them in several ways.

Be honest: It’s important to be clear with your child about what to expect. Explain that injections may hurt, but reassure them that this pain goes away quickly. Use a calm tone and try to stay relaxed during the appointment.

Offer your child a favorite thing: Ask your health care provider if you can bring your child’s favorite blanket, book, or toy to the appointment. Having something they love in the room can help them feel calm and relaxed.

Use distractions: Sing a song, tell a story, or make funny faces to take your child’s mind off the fear. Even if the distraction is only for a short time, it can make the pain less noticeable.

Ask about pain relievers: Ask the doctor if your child can use a numbing ointment or spray, as reducing the pain from the injection can help ease anxiety.