Blood Phobia Impact on Fainting
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The primary purpose of this study is to characterize cardiovascular autonomic function to emotional stimuli (blood-injection-injury phobia \[needle phobia\]) during an orthostatic (upright) challenge in individuals with and without known needle phobia. It is well established that emotional stress can produce hypotensive (low blood pressure) reactions. Interestingly, these hypotensive reactions to venipuncture (even with minimal blood drawn), insulin injections, finger sticks for blood sugar monitoring, dental care, and vaccinations can affect up to a quarter of adults and appear to be uniquely associated with blood-injection-injury phobia rather than other phobias. These hypotensive reactions can ultimately lead to a vasovagal syncope (fainting) response, and lead to increased avoidance of medical and dental procedures as a result of this phobia. Ultimately, this has severe implications on public health and places additional strain on the Canadian healthcare system. Currently, there is limited understanding surrounding the initiation of this response. Additionally, a comprehensive profile of cardiovascular autonomic function during exposure to provoking stimuli during orthostatic stress has not been captured in the literature. We will test individuals with and without blood-injection-injury phobia using our standard approach while exposing them to emotional stimuli.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking medication for a cardiovascular condition.
What data supports the idea that Blood Phobia Impact on Fainting is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that Blood Phobia Impact on Fainting, also known as Blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia stimuli, is linked to fainting symptoms. For example, one study found that injection-fearful blood donors reported more anxiety and disgust before donating blood, which predicted fainting symptoms. Another study showed that fear of injections and blood draws was a strong predictor of fainting, correctly identifying 72% of those who fainted. These findings suggest that addressing these fears could help reduce fainting incidents. However, the research does not directly compare this treatment to other alternatives, so its effectiveness relative to other treatments is unclear.12345
What safety data exists for treatments of blood phobia and fainting?
The safety data for treatments of blood phobia, particularly those involving fainting, primarily focus on the use of Applied Tension (AT) and exposure techniques. AT is recommended for managing the unique anxiety response and fainting associated with blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia. However, evidence on the efficacy of AT beyond exposure alone is limited. Studies suggest that exposure alone may outperform other treatments in reducing anxiety and avoidance behaviors. The variability in treatment outcomes may be due to differences in patient populations and the extent of fainting proneness. Further research is needed to better understand the efficacy and safety of these treatments for individuals with and without a history of fainting.678910
Is the treatment 'Neutral stimuli' promising for helping with fainting caused by blood phobia?
Research Team
Victoria E Claydon, PhD
Principal Investigator
Professor, Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking men and women aged 18 to 50 who either have or suspect they have a fear of needles (BII phobia) or do not. It's not open to those with heart or brain disorders, pregnant individuals, menopausal women, or anyone on heart medication.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia stimuli (Behavioural Intervention)
- Neutral stimuli (Behavioural Intervention)
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Simon Fraser University
Lead Sponsor