As noted in a 2004 research paper, blood phobia is ‘the neglected one‘ when it comes to treatment options and research. I thought that I might have a look at some of the findings of research for blood phobia and to look at what seems to work and what may not work. I will also look at some of the clinical presentations of blood phobia and how it may present.

• Several studies show that syncope (fainting) is far more likely to occur in people with blood phobia than other phobias. Around 80% of those with blood phobia will pass out when exposed to stimulus.
• Those with blood phobia may have related health issues due to the avoidance of health care. Some studies show up to 15% will avoid dental treatment due to their fear.
• Applied Tension seems to be the most common treatment, with Applied Relaxation and Exposure also being common.
• In response to feared stimulus, people with blood phobia may breath irregularly which may lead to loss of consciousness.

From a lot of the above research it has been shown that individual elements need focus in hemophobia treatment (eg breathing), however there is also a need for treatment to look at the whole of person approach – breathing, fear, exposure, anxiety reduction – in order to ensure that patients get the best outcomes possible from their treatment.

As blood phobia (and blood injury injection phobia) is seen as the neglected phobia, I am currently in the process of building a treatment program which may assist people with these phobias in the safety of their own home. If you are interested in learning more, or being notified when the course goes live, please sign up for the email newsletter below.

If you would like some further assistance around your blood phobia, please Contact Us.