Index
WHAT IS BELONEPHOBIA?
It is quite common to associate with children who have a notable fear of needles or any other object capable of causing a wound, but when said fear comes in exaggerated and irrational proportions , then we are in the presence of a case of belonephobia .
Objects such as needles, pins, knives, syringes, saws or knives are the main foundation of belonephobia. What differentiates this disorder from a simple or ordinary fear towards these types of objects is the terror that occurs in them when it is not an emergency or negative situation.
It is important not to confuse this phobia of sharp objects and the phobia of needles or medical injections, which is Trypanophobia.
SHARPS PHOBIA
Many times the fear is not of needles as such, but of blood (hematophobia) or wounds (trauma).
This disorder is also known as trypanophobia and despite being much more common in children, some adults also suffer from it .
The aggressiveness of this phobia can vary depending on the person affected ( as happens repeatedly in this type of disorder ).
Some people express a rejection of sharps and it is enough to move away from them or handle them with great care.
But there are other cases in which the simple fact of being in the presence of an object capable of causing a wound immobilizes them in panic.
Although it is estimated that at least 10% of the world’s population suffers from this phobia , most are in a minimal and totally harmless state.
When going to the doctor or presenting any situation that involves the objects that motivate fear, it is good to notify the phobia so that the necessary preventive measures can be taken.
SYMPTOMS OF BELONEPHOBIA
The symptoms of belonephobia can manifest differently depending on the affected individual.
Some people may experience sweating and tiredness in the presence of needles or other sharp objects , as well as others experience panic attacks and fainting ( which tends to be one of the most frequent ).
Speaking specifically of the physical plane, the anxiety generated by belonephobia can cause certain changes in the organism.
Among the most common symptoms we can find an increase in heart and respiratory rate, muscle tension, stomach and headache pain, pupillary dilation, dry mouth and nausea.
Regarding the cognitive signs of this phobia, the development of irrational thoughts can be mentioned in reference to possible threats caused by the feared objects.
It is also quite common for those who suffer from belonephobia to be in a constant state of alert to protect themselves from scenarios that involve these types of objects.
TREATMENT TO OVERCOME BELONEPHOBIA
It should be noted that belonephobia should only be treated when fear really prevents the person from developing a normal life.
Relaxation techniques, treatments or psychological therapies can be used.
The technique that has shown the best results in this type of phobias is exposure therapy , stimulating the affected person to have contact with needles or another object related to fear so that it becomes accustomed and later overcomes the fear.
Alexa Clark specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience in listening and welcoming in Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy. It meets demands such as generalized anxiety, professional, love and family conflicts, stress, depression, sexual dysfunction, grief, and adolescents from 15 years of age. Over the years, She felt the need to conduct the psychotherapy sessions with subtlety since She understands that the psychologist acts as a facilitator of self-understanding and self-acceptance, valuing each person's respect, uniqueness, and acceptance.
