A 3-step program to manage belonephobia
Many people dislike needle-sticks. But once the fear becomes persistent, excessive, and unreasonable, it’s a phobia (belonephobia, needle-phobia, trypanophobia). Although not well recognized, belonephobia affects up to 10% of people.
In a Medscape article, Dr. Mary Muscari, who is Professor and Director of Forensic Health/Nursing at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, discusses the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments — which emphasize CAM.
Step 1: Recognition and relaxation.
- Identify those at risk and discuss procedures to help alleviate fear of the unknown.
In people with a score of greater than 3 on a 10-point anxiety scale, the following treatments are recommended.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Counseling
- Distraction
- Relaxation
- Hypnosis
Step 2: Control and preparation.
- Encourage participation in decision-making and to find the best ways to relieve tension.
Step 3: Graded exposure.
- Use toys, diagrams, and graphics to illustrate the procedural steps, graduating to medical equipment.
Finally, medications might be useful for some individuals.
5/8/07 20:47 JR