A member asked:

I have an extreme phobia of needles and need a blood test.. could i hyperventilate to pass out while they draw the blood ?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Barbara Lavi answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

You don't need to : Pass out or hyperventilate there R tech that can work fairly quickly. Cognitive behavioral therapy using progressive desensitization (learning 2relax ; then imagining the phobic event from least 2most anxiety provoking image while relaxed. I usually do this using hypnosis as a relaxation technique, but u can use other relaxation methods. Find a therapist ; U will b able 2get relief fairly quickly.

Answered 5/29/2016

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CBT: Seek a cognitive-behavioral therapist who specializes in phobias. One method they use is systematic desensitization which slowly and incrementally brings the person closer and closer to the thing they are afraid of in slow, graduated steps that help make the anxiety more tolerable.

Answered 3/19/2015

3.1k views

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