Needle phobia, also called trypanophobia, is an aggressive fear of receiving injections from medical needles. The term is not generally used to describe the fear of non-medical needles, such as sewing needles and machinery needles. Many people experience a mild phobia of needles when receiving injections, but do not avoid medical establishments due to this fear. Treatment for needle phobia is only necessary when the fear prevents a person from seeking medical care or carrying out daily activities.
Many people who are afraid of needles are also afraid of doctors. This is because this type of fear is often related to traumatic experiences involving medical procedures, either experienced or seen. The experience of the entire unpleasant procedure is psychologically linked to the symbol of the needle, and large amounts of irrational fear are stirred whenever this object is seen.
Some people who suffer from needle phobia have panic reactions when faced with the need to receive an injection. Others faint at the sight of a needle. The exact reaction a person experiences when faced with their fear varies, and the person may not be able to control it. It is important to notify medical staff of severe needle phobia so preventive measures can be taken or additional staff can be on hand.
Fainting is one of the most common problems with needle phobia. Some people who pass out when receiving injections are not afraid of the needle, they are afraid of passing out. These people then learn to fear receiving any type of injection because of the likely reaction.
Treatment for needle phobia is similar to most other phobias. Relaxation techniques can be used but are often not recommended because they encourage fainting. Most medical professionals can administer injections quickly, so simply having the self-control to sit through the procedure may be enough.
Severe fear of needles often arises unexpectedly in real medical contexts where an injection is necessary. In these cases, laughing gas or other substances can often be used to make the patient less anxious about the procedure. Children, who often fear the pain of an injection rather than the injection itself, may be soothed by topical pain relief because this completely removes the source of concern. In some cases, an alternative method of introducing a substance into the body can be used, avoiding needles but often resulting in a significantly more painful procedure. The use of these methods may or may not be warranted in an individual's case, but if a severe needle phobia is known to exist, it is a good idea to notify doctors immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.