Hello doctor,I am quite afraid of needles. I get anxious even thinking about blood tests. I fainted once while taking blood test. Please suggest me to overcome fear. I have to get blood tests done but I am extremely anxious.
Hi. Needle phobia is quite common and it has different types like vasovagal syncope attack which you have encountered earlier. You can try local anesthetic cream when a needle is to be inserted so that pain associated with needle prick is not felt. Beta blockers can also be tried as these  ChatDoctor.  A psychotherapy called CBT is also effective. In this, a systematic desensitization is done and maladaptive emotion and thought are challenged and corrected.  