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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest A Remedy For A Phobia Of Needles

My son has developed an extreme phobia of needles over the past 2 years. He is overdue for his second Hep shot, and now needs to have a blood test done. He said the pain is not what bothers him, it's just the idea of having something in his body. He starts to hyperventilate at the sight of the needle, and can become irrational and violent if pushed. He is 14 years old. Would an oral sedative be enough to calm him for the procedure?
Tue, 15 Jul 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,

Your son seems to be suffering from specific phobia of needles/syringes. It is a condition which is amenable to treatment. You can consult a psychiatrist for the same. Medicines like escitalopram would be helpful. Alternatively he can be treated with behavior therapy sessions which will gradually help reduce his fear.

For the purpose of vaccination, he can be given oral benodiazepine agent like clonazepam or lorazepam prior to the procedure which will help reduce his anxiety and go through it.

Hope that this information was helpful. Best wishes.

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Suggest A Remedy For A Phobia Of Needles

Hi, Your son seems to be suffering from specific phobia of needles/syringes. It is a condition which is amenable to treatment. You can consult a psychiatrist for the same. Medicines like escitalopram would be helpful. Alternatively he can be treated with behavior therapy sessions which will gradually help reduce his fear. For the purpose of vaccination, he can be given oral benodiazepine agent like clonazepam or lorazepam prior to the procedure which will help reduce his anxiety and go through it. Hope that this information was helpful. Best wishes.