What Causes Trypanophobia?

Increased Sensitivity To Pain

A small portion of the population has an increased sensitivity to pain, especially when it comes to needles. For most patients, a needle stick is an irritating sting. For others, needles cause intense pain and burning sensations. The origin of this issue is not clear, though genetics seem to be a factor. One of the problems with tracking individuals with increased pain sensitivity is they tend to stay away from medical procedures due to their condition. Rather than experience the pain of a blood test, they will forgo seeing the doctor altogether. This can lead to a situation where treatable conditions are left undiagnosed, causing unnecessary suffering.

Other Medical Fears

Trypanophobia is one of a number of phobias associated with medical procedures. Needle phobia can be associated with or triggered by some of these other medical fears. For many individuals who experience this condition, there is also general anxiety about all things medical. They may experience iatrophobia, fear of doctors, and trypanophobia is simply that needles are associated with doctors. It has been suggested these medical fears represent an underlying fear of death. Patients may not fear the blood test so much as they fear the possible results. Rather than hearing bad news, they will avoid hearing any news at all. This again puts patients at risk of more health complications.