Trypanophobia, also known as needle phobia, is the fear of injections, medical procedures including injections and hypodermic needles.
Not too many people would say they enjoy getting an injection, but those with this phobia have real fear, so much so that many avoid all medical treatment when possible, just in case a needle becomes involved.
Not too many people would say they enjoy getting an injection, but those with this phobia have real fear, so much so that many avoid all medical treatment when possible, just in case a needle becomes involved.
Needle Phobics
Do you fear needles? Generally known as 'needle phobia', Trypanophobia is the fear of injections and hypodermic needles. It is thought that at least 10% of the population of 'the west' has this phobia but with many sufferers avoiding medical treatment it is hard to give a more exact number.
The word is made up of 'trypano' – Greek for auger, a device for poking or drilling making a hole and 'phobia; meaning fear.
Not a lot of people will say they enjoy getting a injection, its not something most people go out of their way to experience for fun but for the 'needle phobic' its a terrifying experience.
Like all phobias when someone with this fear is exposed to the object of their fear, needles, they can go into a panic, feel nauseous, shake, cry, sweat and generally not have a pleasant time. However with this phobia there is also a large anxiety content with sufferers feeling the symptoms without even having to see a needle, just being in a medical centre, dentists etc being enough.
The word is made up of 'trypano' – Greek for auger, a device for poking or drilling making a hole and 'phobia; meaning fear.
Not a lot of people will say they enjoy getting a injection, its not something most people go out of their way to experience for fun but for the 'needle phobic' its a terrifying experience.
Like all phobias when someone with this fear is exposed to the object of their fear, needles, they can go into a panic, feel nauseous, shake, cry, sweat and generally not have a pleasant time. However with this phobia there is also a large anxiety content with sufferers feeling the symptoms without even having to see a needle, just being in a medical centre, dentists etc being enough.
A Very Real Danger
This scene from 'Saw 2' makes just about anyone squirm. The origins of this fear in a person can stem from many causes - a exaggerated form of fear of sharp objects that is present in nearly everyone, a traumatic event involving a medical procedure and the fear can even be learned through seeing another's fear of needles (especially within ones own family).
Trypanophobia comes with a very real danger. Those with the fear may avoid medical treatment, no matter how sick or injured they are. This could lead to permanent injury or even death.
If you are not a big fan of needles here are some movies you might wish to avoid:
Trypanophobia comes with a very real danger. Those with the fear may avoid medical treatment, no matter how sick or injured they are. This could lead to permanent injury or even death.
If you are not a big fan of needles here are some movies you might wish to avoid:
A nightmare for many. Saw 2 – ok, the scene with the woman being thrown into the needle pit probably makes most people cringe... having to dig through thousands of needles for a small object is just not cool.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3
Needle (perhaps?)
(If you know of any other movies someone with this phobia should steer clear of, post in the comments below.)
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3
Needle (perhaps?)
(If you know of any other movies someone with this phobia should steer clear of, post in the comments below.)
(It should be noted that 'Trypanophobia' is more of a newer 'buzzword' for the phobia but it is in fact being used by public and professional alike)
Please post your comments below!
Ashley Hall 2013
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