How to manage fear of needles (trypanophobia)

Few people would say they like needles or enjoy getting a shot. But some people feel so afraid of needles that they experience intense, overwhelming symptoms. The fear may even cause them to delay or avoid medical care for themselves or their children.

At Advocate Health Care, our providers will work with you to help you and your child get the care you need, even when dealing with a phobia. Whether it’s routine vaccinations or other procedures, we deliver compassionate, effective care throughout the Chicago metro area.

What is trypanophobia?

Trypanophobia is the fear of medical needles. It’s closely related to other types of needle phobias. But it’s slightly different because people with trypanophobia are afraid of needles specifically when used in medical settings.

An unhealthy fear of needles can affect your health. It can cause you to delay or skip medical appointments or avoid getting routine vaccines. If you have trypanophobia, speak with your health care provider about ways to manage and overcome this anxiety.

What causes a fear of needles?

There’s no singular cause of trypanophobia. But you may be more likely to fear needles if you have:

• Another anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Family history of phobias
• Other phobias related to germs or medical diagnoses, such as germaphobia or hypochondria (intense worry over having serious medical conditions)
• Past traumatic experiences with needles

What are the symptoms of trypanophobia?

The main symptom of trypanophobia is feeling intensely anxious about medical procedures that involve needles. Some people feel anxious even thinking about getting a shot. Others may have symptoms so severe that they lead to a panic attack.

This intense anxiety may cause physical symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Heightened blood pressure
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensations of your heart racing (heart palpitations)

How common is the fear of needles?

It’s extremely common to be afraid of needles. In fact, studies show that up to two in three children and one in four adults experience intense anxiety around needles.

How to overcome trypanophobia

You may find that your discomfort around needles never goes away completely. But there are some strategies that can help lessen your symptoms so you can get the care you need.

• Change the setting: For some people, getting a vaccine in a crowded setting or a large room can trigger more severe symptoms. You may ask your health care provider for a more private setting. Sometimes, drive-thru vaccinations can be a good option because they allow you to stay in the comfort of your vehicle.
• Learn more about the procedure: Whether you need a routine vaccine or a procedure that requires anesthesia, it can be helpful to learn more about what to expect. Ask your provider to explain what will happen before, during and after the shot or procedure. You can role-play with a friend, partner or other loved one to practice staying calm.
• Manage pain: Let your health care provider know if the pain of a shot triggers your anxiety. They may provide a numbing spray, cream or ointment that helps decrease discomfort. You can also practice breathing or visualization exercises to help yourself calm down.
• Use different language: Does the word “shot” make you feel more anxious? Substitute it with words like “poke” or “prick” to help reduce your symptoms. Let your care team know if it’s helpful for you to use specific language around needles and shots.
• Work with a therapist: If needle phobia interferes with your ability to get medical care, you may want to explore mental health treatment. A mental health provider can offer multiple strategies to help you overcome fears. For example, you may benefit from exposure therapy, a treatment in which you safely and gradually face your fears with support and guidance from your therapist.

More strategies for overcoming trypanophobia

If you need a little extra help, you can access calming meditations and breathing exercises in the LiveWell app. These and other strategies can help you stay calm throughout your visit.

How to help children overcome trypanophobia

Children are more likely than adults to experience trypanophobia. If your child is feeling anxious about a shot, you can help them by:

• Asking for a pain-relieving spray: Your child’s provider may be able to give them a numbing spray or ointment that limits the pain of a shot. Minimizing pain may help relieve your child’s anxiety and stress.
• Being honest: You don’t want to scare your child, but it is important to be honest. Explain that a shot will likely hurt a little, but the pain quickly goes away. Use words like “poke” or “pinch” instead of “shot” to help calm them. Speak with a soothing tone and try to remain relaxed throughout the appointment.
• Giving them a favorite toy: You may bring a favorite toy, blanket or book to your child’s appointment, as long as it’s OK with their provider. These items can help your child feel more positive and relaxed.
• Providing distractions: Try taking your child’s mind off the shot by telling them a story, singing a song or just acting silly. A short distraction can help to make the pain of a shot a little less noticeable.

How much does a needle hurt for a vaccination?

Getting a vaccination hurts a little. Most vaccines feel like a pinprick or sharp pinch that quickly goes away. Your arm may feel a little sore after the shot, but the sharp pain disappears as soon as the shot is over.

How do providers help needle-phobic patients?

Tell your healthcare provider if you struggle with a fear of needles. They can help you understand why you need a shot and what to expect.

Your provider may offer a different setting to receive your shot or give you options for pain management. In some cases, they may offer other solutions to help you avoid shots, such as a nasal spray flu vaccine.