Aichmophobia

Definition

Definition of Aichmophobia
Aichmophobia is a kind of specific phobia, the morbid fear of sharp things, such as pencils, needles, knives, a pointing finger, or even the sharp end of an umbrella. It is derived from the Greek aichme (point) and phobos (fear).

Sometimes this general term is used to refer to what is more specifically called trypanophobia. Trypanophobia is the extreme and irrational fear of medical procedures involving injections or hypodermic needles.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Aichmophobia
Identifying aichmophobia should be easy. If the person who has the disorder becomes extremely fearful or exhibits other nervous behaviors when exposed to sharp objects, they may have aichmophobia. Some of the most immediate symptoms that might appear include:

1. Feelings of dread or panic when in the presence of sharp objects
2. Automatic or uncontrollable reactions in response to their fear (fainting, for example)
3. Rapid heartbeat
4. Shortness of breath
5. Trembling
6. Extreme avoidance

Causes

Causes of Aichmophobia
There is no universally specific cause of this disorder. Rather, unique and specific instances and possible evolutionary factors instill the victim with fear and a possible predisposition to developing aichmophobia. Some traumatic instances that could have instigated the phobia include painful medical procedures, either that the victim had to endure or simply witnessed, physical or emotional restraint, accidents that involved injury by a sharp object, or iatrophobia, an extreme and irrational fear of doctors.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Aichmophobia
Consult with your doctor.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Aichmophobia
Consult with your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment of Aichmophobia
A psychotherapist or mental health expert is one of the best sources of treatment for aichmophobia. The goal of any such expert is to first target the initial inciting factor that caused the person’s irrational and extreme fear. The patient and therapist talk about why the fear is unfounded, how they can come to terms with any traumatic experiences that caused the phobia, as well as ways to deal with the symptoms of the condition. However, unlike other phobias, aichmophobia may be grounded in far more than simple psychological factors. Physical factors such as hypersensitivity may also contribute. In this case, exposure to a sharp object such as a hypodermic needle would understandably and justifiably cause panic and fear. Typical treatment for hypersensitivity is usually some type of anesthesia.

Prevention

Prevention of Aichmophobia
Consult with your doctor.