Hi,I am Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (Psychiatrist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
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?
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.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
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.