Photo from:
https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/health/emotions/fear-of-needles
Trypanophobia is the intense fear of needles and injections. This fear often begins in the early years of childhood, when children are scared of what the sensation of being stuck with a sharp object might feel like. However, most adults grow out of this as they get older and recognize that the severity of the pain often does not outweigh the positives that can come out of certain medical procedures. For those that the fear sticks with, trypanophobia can prevent medical treatments and be a significant roadblock in terms of maintaining their health.
The fear of needles is actually very common, affecting almost 25% of people. This number is greater for children and adolescents, and normally starts to taper off as people grow older, but still, a high percentage of the general population claims to be afraid of needles and injections to a certain degree. In fact, according to PSYcom, about 7% of grown adults avoid vaccinations because of their fear. This can pose a danger to people’s immune health and put them at a great risk of contracting potentially life-altering illnesses. Though it may start with just needles, if trypanophobia is not addressed early on, it can expand beyond just the injection and become a phobia of medical treatment as a whole due to its association. In the most extreme cases, people who face the fear will avoid and choose to not attend routine medical checkups altogether. It is important that if you face trypanophobia, you are able to manage it in a way that does not harm your opportunities for medical care. Recognizing that the fear is there and practicing calming techniques to get through the process is the most common way that adults push past their fear in order to continue to take care of themselves.
Where does trypanophobia come from? Perhaps this seems obvious, because most of us have experienced immunizations or blood work in our lifetime to know that the sensation is less than enjoyable for the patient. Though often manageable, the pain that is associated with needles is a primary factor that scares many people and produces a fear that stays with them. However, medical professionals have been unable to pinpoint where this fear actually comes from, other than due to the coupled sensation of a sharp prick that only lasts temporarily. There is ultimately no long term danger associated with injections, and for that reason, doctors have had a hard time figuring out the root, long-lasting cause behind the phobia. Some consider the fact that during the era of antibiotics, puncture wounds were difficult to treat and posed potentially fatal effects. It is possible that this approach has been passed on through generations, despite the fact that today we have manners in which to treat these types of injuries. Another theory resides in a totally biological response called vasovagal, which can trigger a person to pass out at the sight of a needle or blood of any kind. This is solely dependent on genetics and is often attributed to all high stress situations.
The most common symptoms of trypanophobia are pretty consistent with other phobias. They can include, but are not limited to, dizziness, fainting, anxiety, high blood pressure, quickened heart rate, and even insomnia, perhaps the nights leading up to a doctor’s appointment. However, like most phobias, the fear of needles is treatable and should be addressed to ensure that the person can endure the necessary medical care that they may need in their lifetime. Treatments consist of cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, and if need be, there are certain medications that doctors can use like anti-anxiety and sedative pills that can calm a person down enough to perform the injection.
The most important thing to remember about trypanophobia is that unlike some other phobias, the consequences of avoiding needles and injections altogether is not necessarily feasible in today’s world of medical treatment. In order to properly take care of yourself, one must recognize trypanophobia early on and find ways to live healthily with its effects.
Information from:
https://www.verywellmind.com/trypanophobia-2671700
I think there’s something to be said about biology on the cause of this phobia. Humans are predisposed to have a biological adversion to pain, and whether you are afraid of them or not, there is no doubt, they hurt. And it doesn’t get better either. I’ve given blood 4 times now and the needles still hurt every time (and likely will continue). Also I wonder if there’s anything to be said about them being a relatively newer man-made invention. Very interesting blog!
That’s so wild that such a high proportion of people have a fear of needles, but it totally makes sense that we’d have that sort of fight or flight response to something that could potentially cause us harm, and I also find it interesting that the repeated exposure to needles since they’re so common in today’s society can help people to overcome the visceral fear of needles.
This is a very interesting topic because I know people who fear it a lot. For example, my brother ever since he was small would hate needles, up until today he still cannot sit still. It’s kind funny but then again not really since it is preventing him from receiving the medicine in the needles. Which is an issue, when people fear them. Although I personally cannot relate since, I know it might seem weird, but I actually enjoy needles,in the sense of getting shots and drawing blood. May they should consider converting shots into medicine of some kind being able to be consumed, especially for babies.
It is interesting that in today’s world of incredible scientific discoveries, no one has found an effective alternative to needles. Are oral and nasal alternatives less effective? I have used nasal treatments, and they have always worked well for me. My sister suffered from trypanophobia as a child. It was shocking that a small child would be so unbelievable afraid of a tiny needle. Interesting post!
This definitely seems like a common fear to have. Personally, I believe it’s the fear of pain that makes people hate needles. I’m more scared of the nurse that usually administers the injection. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s always a roll of the dice.