Injection Phobia

What is it?

Many people fear injections to some extent, but once that fear becomes persistent, excessive and unreasonable, then the fear becomes a phobia. Injection/needle phobia is the fear and avoidance of receiving various types of injections, and/or of having a blood sample withdrawn through venepuncture.

This is a specific phobia and is extremely common yet not well recognised. It is thought to affect between 3.5 % to 10% of the population. The avoidance, anxiety or distress caused by injection/needle phobia can significantly interfere with a person’s normal routine, occupational or academic functioning, and social activities or relationships.

DIY self diagnosis

If you can answer YES to most of the questions it is likely that you are affected by injection phobia. During the last 6 months:
  • Have you avoided medical appointments that involve injection/needles due to anxiety?
  • Have you experienced a marked, persistent and excessive fear of injection/needles?
  • Has exposure to needles almost invariably provoked an immediate anxiety response in you?
Anxiety UK strongly advises that people seek further information and guidance from their GP who will be able to make a formal diagnosis.

Injection Phobia

Injection Phobia Fact Sheet

This fact sheet gives a detailed overview, as well as a look at some of the evidence based approaches to treating injection phobia.
Download Free

Recommended resources

For help with needle phobia related to the Covid-19 vaccine programme please see the information here.

The Anxiety UK Needle Phobia Booklet includes self help information, along with details of useful treatments. Download this resource here.

Controlling Anxiety is a CD designed to help you build up techniques for reducing your anxiety and relaxing. You can order yours here.