Do You Have Needle Phobia?

Jan. 2, 2008— -- Nobody enjoys getting a shot, but how can you distinguish simple distaste for a needle prick from a full-blown phobia?

According to Dr. James Hamilton, a family practitioner in Durham, N.C., and a leading researcher on needle phobia, needle phobia affects at least 10 percent of the population.

The condition has been defined by psychological experts only relatively recently and it's currently included in the American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

The following questions aren't scientific, and they are no substitute for an expert psychological diagnosis. But your final score on these items may point to whether or not you possess some of the psychological traits or risk factors for needle phobia.

Curious? Take out your paper and pencils and get started!

A) Nope. They've never bothered me.
B) I think so, mainly because it hurts to get jabbed!
C) I believe I do, though I can't say that there is any logical reason for the intensity of my fear.

Record your answer and move on to the next page when you are done.

A) I roll up my sleeve and hold my breath.
B) I become anxious and begin to bargain with the doctor to avoid the injection.
C) I either "freeze" or suffer a full-fledged panic attack.

Record your answer and move on to the next page when you are done.

A) Never. Shots aren't pleasant, but they've never scared me away from needed treatment.
B) Maybe once or twice. But when push comes to shove, I'll get my shots when I need them.
C) I frequently avoid seeing the doctor any time I believe an injection is going to be involved.

Record your answer and move on to the next page when you are done.

A) No.
B) Though none of my relatives have ever been officially diagnosed, there is at least one who always expresses their fear of injections.
C) Yes, I have at least one immediate relative who has needle phobia.

Record your answer and move on to the next page when you are done.

A) They didn't bother me at all.
B) I found them somewhat disturbing.
C) I could hardly look at them without feeling anxious or repulsed.

Record your answer and move on to the next page when you are done.