Re: Phobias and Fainting

Subject: Re: Phobias and Fainting

Forum: The Mental Health Forum


I have always become faint at the sight of blood and whenever requiring an injection or withdrawal of blood. As the years have passed, this has worsened to the point that I am subject to fainting when discussing medical procedures and/or undergoing examinations. Needless to say, this makes it very difficult for me when visiting a doctor. Is there anything that a person in good general health can do to prevent this type of fainting?




Dear John,
         Phobia is the most common mental disorder in U.S. Phobias can be  
characterised into two types- Social phobia and Specific phobia. Specific
phobia refers to fear cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific  
object or situation such as flying, heights, animals, seeing blood or
receiving an injection.Moreover, the object or situation is avoided or else  
endured with marked distress,the fear is recognized by the person as
excessive or unreasonable and results in a significant disruption of the
person's life. Specific phobias are classified into- Animal type; Natural
environment type(heights, storms, water); Blood-injection-injury type;
Situational type(airplanes, elevators); other type(avoidance of situations
that may lead to choking,vomiting or contracting illness).
          The symptoms that you are experiencing are pointing to blood-
injection- injury phobia. Medications play little role in the treatment of
this condition.A specific form of psychotherapy called behavioral therapy  
is effective.A form of behavioral therapy called exposure therapy( gradual
self-paced exposure to the feared object or situation) was noticed to be
quite helpful.
         I would recommend you to see a Mental Health Professional.You may
call (313)-874-6680 to schedule for a confidential evaluation at the Henry
Ford Hospital Behavioral Services Clinic.I hope this information is helpful
to you. This information is provided for general educational purposes only
and should not be replaced by evaluation with a physician.
key words: Phobia








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