Name of the Condition

• Fear of injections and transfusions
• Medical term: Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia (specific phobia subtype)

Summary

Fear of injections and transfusions (ICD-10: F40.231) is a psychological condition where an individual experiences intense fear or anxiety at the prospect of receiving injections or blood transfusions. This can result in avoidance behaviors and significant distress.

Causes

The exact cause of this phobia is unknown, but it may involve a combination of genetic predisposition, traumatic past experiences, and learned behaviors.

Risk Factors

• Family history of phobias or anxiety disorders.
• Personal history of traumatic medical experiences.
• High sensitivity to pain or medical procedures.
• Observation of negative reactions in others during needles or transfusions.

Symptoms

• Extreme anxiety or panic at the thought or sight of needles.
• Physical reactions such as sweating, dizziness, or fainting.
• Avoidance of medical care due to fear of injections or transfusions.
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations when faced with related situations.

Diagnosis

• Usually diagnosed through a psychological evaluation assessing the individual’s symptoms and their impact on daily life.

Treatment Options

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change thought patterns and reduce fear responses.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to needles or the idea of transfusions in a controlled setting to desensitize fear.
• Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises and meditation to manage anxiety symptoms.
• Medication: Antianxiety medications in severe cases, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, individuals can manage symptoms effectively.
• Regular follow-up sessions with a mental health professional are helpful in monitoring progress.

Complications

• Avoidance of necessary medical treatments due to fear.
• Increased risk of health complications from unaddressed medical issues or delayed care.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Educating oneself and discussing fears with healthcare professionals.
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques to manage anxiety.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If fear of injections or transfusions interferes significantly with daily life or medical care.
• When physical symptoms, such as fainting or panic attacks, are frequent and severe.

Additional Resources

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): adaa.org
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): nimh.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm the specific phobia type when coding.
• Avoid misclassification with general anxiety disorders or other phobia types.