Belonephobia

Belonephobia is a persistent, irrational fear of pins and needles. Additionally, the belonephobic individual may also develop an intense fear of any sharply pointed object. In its most extreme form, Belonephobia can become potentially life threatening as the phobic individual actively avoids needed medical care.

Also known as Balenephobia and Enetophobia, Belonephobia derives from the Greek word "belone", meaning needle and "phobos" meaning fear.

What Causes Belonephobia?

As with all phobias, the person coping with Belonephobia has been traumatized at some time in their life. That traumatic experience is then automatically associated with pins, needles and other sharply pointed objects.

The fear of pain would seem to be the most logical cause of this phobia. It is of interest to note that this may not be true because Belonephobia also involves a fear of the sight of the feared object.

Perhaps the person coping with Belonephobia fears being controlled. Perhaps this individual was the victim of physical abuse and as a result, has developed a hypersensitivity to any situation that they interpret as being forced upon them. Maybe, as a child, the belonephobic person's first experience with medical treatment was intensely painful and negative. Perhaps, at the time, the individual had no control over the situation or had no choice but to endure a necessary, life-saving procedure.

Whatever the cause, the belonephobic person can experience anxiety and emotional turmoil that is completely disruptive to their ability to function on a daily basis.

What Are the Symptoms of Belonephobia?

The symptoms of Belonephobia vary from person to person. Some people, when confronted with their fear of pins and needles, may feel slightly uncomfortable, become nauseated or begin to perspire. At the opposite end of the spectrum, some people are so severely impacted by this phobia, that they completely avoid medical treatment.

Other symptoms of Belonephobia can include:

A Dry Mouth

Breathlessness

Trembling

Rapid Heartbeat

Heightened Senses

Feeling Dizzy

Muscle Tension

Hyperventilation

Anxiety and/or Panic Attack

Feeling Out of Control

Feeling Trapped and Unable to Escape

Overwhelming Feeling of Anticipated Danger

How Is Belonephobia Diagnosed?

The vast majority of cases of Belonephobia are self-diagnosed. The individual realizes that their fear of pins and needles is irrational, dangerous and has severely compromised their daily functioning.

The belonephobic person may then discuss their fear with a medical professional. Rarely will the doctor diagnosis Belonephobia based on that initial contact with the patient. More routinely and because of the belonephobic individual's specific fears, the doctor will refer the person to a mental health professional for more specific assessment and evaluation.

How Is Belonephobia Treated?

When the fear of pins, needles and other sharply pointed objects becomes so overwhelming as to completely disrupt a person's ability to function, there are a variety of different methods to treat Belonephobia. These include:

Referral from the primary physician to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of phobias.

Traditional "talk" therapy that will teach the individual to recognize and control their phobia.

Self-help techniques.

Exposure Therapy.

Hypnotherapy.

Support groups with other people coping with this phobia.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Desensitization Therapy.

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.

In extreme cases of Belonephobia, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed.

Belonephobia is an intense, irrational fear of pins, needles and sharply pointed objects. Sometimes that fear can become so intense as to stop a person's ability to maintain daily functioning. Unchecked, Belonephobia can become a debilitating condition that interferes with the person's social life, their personal life and their job responsibilities. Untreated and in extreme cases, Belonephobia can become life threatening.