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Fear of needles is very common in children and adults. All children get needles as part of their regular immunizations. Those with illnesses may need them more often, for medications or blood tests. Most children and adults are able to handle their fear of needles, so they are able to get the immunizations, medications or blood tests they need.
But if the fear is so great that it stops someone from getting needles, then it may be a condition known as ‘needle phobia’. This can be a problem because avoiding needles because of fear can interfere with good health care. And because needles may also be needed for some jobs, health insurance, travel, or education, needle phobia could affect many areas of a person’s life.
What you need to know
Needle phobia is fairly common. Researchers believe that somewhere between 1 in 20 and 1 in 10 children and adults have needle phobia.
Needle phobia probably happens from a few things going on at the same time:
What happens during needle phobia?
When faced with a ‘needle situation’, those with needle phobia:
After the heart rate and blood pressure increases, the body tries to slow things down a little. This reflex (vaso-vagal reflex) causes the heart to slow down and the blood pressure to drop. Sometimes this reflex is so strong that the person passes out or faints. (Willemsen, 2002).
Ways to handle the vaso-vagal reflex:
What To Do About Simple Needle Fears
First, explain why a needle is needed. You might say, “this needle will stop you from getting sick this year”. For younger children, you can show what will happen by pretending to give a needle to a doll or stuffed animal. If the needle can’t be postponed (for example, in the emergency department), stay with your child to offer support and comfort. Let your child know that it’s OK to cry.
Talk to your child about the needle phobia, and find out what bothers him most about getting a needle. You might say, “What is it about a needle that makes it so scary?” or “What stops you from being able to get a needle?” This makes it easier to help your child or teen cope. Your child or teen can help decide which coping strategy might work best.
For example, if your child is:
Other ways to help a child or teen cope with getting a needle:
Reduce distress by taking children’s attention away from the needle by:
It’s easier for children and youth to be calm if you stay calm. If you are comfortable getting needles, invite your child to be with you the next time you need a blood test or needle.
Find a way to handle your own fears if you get tense and upset when your child gets a needle. Many parents of children with needle phobias may have needle phobias too. You may want to see a mental health professional to learn how to overcome your own fear.
Many adults with needle phobias talk about being teased, put down or shamed when they were younger because of their needle phobia. Getting angry or frustrated with your child won’t help. If your child or teen is not coping well, show that you understand her distress, and then say something encouraging. For example, “I know this is really hard for you. But we’ve put the numbing cream on, now let’s think about what made us laugh so hard during that movie…”
Children or teens with needle phobia may be having anxious thoughts, like: “It’s going to hurt!” or “I can’t handle this!”
Help your child to come up with more helpful thoughts, like, “It really won’t hurt that much” or “It will be over in a few seconds!”
If you think your child or teen may have needle phobia…
Many children and youth dislike needles. But if it’s to the point where your child or teen is refusing to get a needle, you may want to think about seeing a professional to help your child.
Doctors and nurses can help with basic coping strategies. If these are not enough, ask your doctor to suggest another professional, like a psychologist. Psychologists often use the following approaches to help children and youth with needle phobia.
Approaches for helping needle phobia
This involves step by step practice of getting a needle. It breaks down the process of getting a needle into smaller steps that may be easier to handle, one at a time.
For example:
Step 1: Looking at books or videos about getting a needle or going to the doctor’s office. Many children’s hospitals also have websites with this kind of information.
Step 2: For younger children, let them play ‘doctor’ or ‘nurse’ with a medical play set. They can practice giving pretend needles to each other or to dolls or stuffed animals.
With older children and teens, a therapist may use real needles, encouraging teens to:
Practice with real needles isn’t used often and should only happen during treatment with a mental health professional.
Step 3: Going to the doctor’s office and just wait in the waiting room
Step 4: Go to the doctor’s office, wait in the waiting room, see the doctor, but without getting a needle.
Step 5: Go to the doctor’s office, wait in the waiting room, see the doctor, and get the needle.
When we get nervous, we often start to breathe faster. Taking slow deep breaths can be very calming. Focusing on breathing can also help distract children and youth from thinking about the neede. Your child can also learn and practice ways to calm down and relax. Check out the information about the MindMasters and Mini MindMasters programs developed at CHEO.
www.child-youth-health.net/en/child-youth-health/MindMasters_p280.html
Creating pictures in your head, like being in a soothing place, or being calm while getting a needle.
A family doctor or psychologist trained in hypnosis can help children and youth to reach a deep, relaxing state (hypnotic state).
Disclaimer
These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have questions, speak with your health care provider.
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