Aichmophobia - Fear of needles or pointed objects

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Aichmophobia is a kind of specific phobia, the morbid fear of sharp things, such as pencils like needles, knives a pointing finger, or even the sharp end of an umbrella.

It is derived from the Greek aichm point and phobias fear. Aichmophobia, also known as belonephobia is the fear from pins, needles or other pointed objects. This fear sometimes becomes so intense that people just by mentioning of pointed objects start feeling nervous and anxious. The aichmophobia is attributed to any childhood incidence where they experienced some sort of torture or bully involving needles, pins or other pointed objects. The fear of needles can be a dangerous condition, often preventing the afflicted person from seeking medical attention when necessary. This ailment can debilitate children and adults alike. Sometimes the ailment eases as time passes. Children, for example, are often afraid of needles but many outgrow their fear as they get older

Aichmophobia is the fear of needles or pointed objects. The origin of the word Aichmo is Greek (meaning spear or spear point) and phobia is Greek (meaning fear). Aichmophobia is considered to be a specific phobia, which is discussed on the home page. Aichmophobia is also related to Belonephobia (fear of needles), Algophobia (fear of pain) and Trypanophobia (fear of injections).

Causes of Aichmophobia - Fear of needles or pointed objects :-

A Single Traumatic Incident. A highly stressful or frightening real event at which, instantaneously Aichmophobia is created. Similar to, say, a child being bitten by a dog and developing an immediate phobia, a single traumatic incident is a one-time experience at which there is such extreme fear - even if only for a moment - that the nervous system 'learns' to associate fear to help the individual avoid such situations in futre.

Symptoms:-

As with any phobia, the symptoms vary by person depending on their level of fear. The symptoms typically include extreme anxiety, dread and anything associated with panic such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, excessive sweating, nausea, dry mouth, nausea, inability to articulate words or sentences, dry mouth and shaking. This phobia is so widespread, many people view it with acceptance, especially medical professionals, who are very used to dealing with needle phobias. In people who have developed aichmophobia in response to trauma, some symptoms that appear are: Trembling, Faintness, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Dry mouth, severe drops in blood pressure.

Some sufferers even have convulsions and respiratory distress in people with an inherited reflex, exposure to needles can lead to fainting or severe panic attacks.

Treatment:-

Aichmophobia treatment is usually accomplished with desensitization, a series of therapeutic sessions in which the patient is exposed to needles under the supervision of a psychologist. The intensity of each experience will be scaled up, until the patient is comfortable with injections and blood draws. Psychiatric drugs may be used to manage severe aichmophobic responses, and patients may also benefit from hypnosis, talk therapy, and other therapeutic treatments.

The affliction can range from mild to severe, and with needle phobia, treatments can vary from hypnosis to drugs. Those with a mild to moderate affliction can often be helped with hypnosis, though, and some can even be helped with yoga and other relaxation techniques. Going into a trance-like state, if you’ve mastered this ability, is helpful when receiving shots.
Another treatment which has helped many is to take a prescribed, fast-acting, anxiety medication an hour or so before needing a treatment involving needles. Although this type of drug assists in relaxing the patient, taking these medications on a regular basis can cause further ailments.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP):-

NLP is basically the study and practice of how we create our reality. The basic premise of NLP is that the words we use reflect an inner, subconscious perception of our problems. If these words and perceptions are inaccurate, they will create an underlying problem as long as we continue to use and to think them. Our attitudes are, in a sense, a self-fulfilling prophecy. In this therapy a neuro linguistic therapist will analyze every word and phrase you use in describing your symptoms or concerns about your health. He or she will examine your facial expressions and body movements. After determining problems in your perception, the therapist will help you understand the root cause. The therapist will help you remodel your thoughts and mental associations in order to fix your preconceived notions. These preconceived notions may be keeping you from achieving the success you deserve.

********Fix your Aichmophobia