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Blood phobia (also, AE: Hemophobia, BE: Haemophobia) is the extreme and irrational fear of blood. Acute cases of this fear can cause physical reactions that are uncommon in most other fears, specifically vasovagal syncope (fainting).^[1] Similar reactions can also occur with trypanophobia and traumatophobia. For this reason, these phobias are categorized as "blood-injection-injury phobia" by the DSM-IV.^[2] Some early texts refer to this category as "blood-injury-illness phobia."^[3]

Contents 1 Etiology 2 Treatment 3 See also 4 References

[edit] Etiology

Blood phobia is often caused by direct or vicarious trauma in childhood or adolescence.^[3] Though some have suggested a possible genetic link, a study of twins suggests that social learning and traumatic events, rather than genetics, is the primary problem.^[4]

[edit] Treatment

Many behavioral techniques useful in mitigating vasovagal syncope, such as applying tension to the muscles in an effort to increase blood pressure, are helpful to patients with blood phobia.^[5] The standard approach to treatment is the same as with other phobias - cognitive-behavioral therapy, desensitization, and possibly medications to help with the anxiety and discomfort.

[edit] See also

• List of phobias

[edit] References