How to Cope with Medical Test Anxiety

What is medical test anxiety?

Medical test anxiety is a fear of medical tests. Medical tests are procedures that are used to diagnose, screen for, or monitor various diseases and conditions. They can also be used to check the health of organs and body systems. While many people sometimes feel nervous or uncomfortable about testing, it doesn't usually cause serious problems or symptoms.

Medical text anxiety can be serious. It can become a type of phobia. A phobia is an anxiety disorder that causes an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Phobias can also cause physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and trembling.

What are the different types of medical tests?

The most common types of medical tests are:

• Tests of body fluids. Your body fluids include blood, urine, sweat, and saliva. Testing involves getting a sample of fluid.
• Imaging tests. These tests look at the inside of your body. Imaging tests include x-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Another type of imaging test is endoscopy. Endoscopy uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera that is inserted into your body. It provides images of your internal organs and other systems.
• Biopsy. This test takes a small sample of your tissue for testing. It is used to check for cancer and certain other conditions.
• Measurement of body functions. These tests check the activity of different organs. Testing may include checking the electrical activity of the heart or brain or measuring the function of your lungs.
• Genetic testing. These tests check cells from the skin, bone marrow, or other areas. They are most often used to diagnose genetic diseases or find out if you are at risk for getting a genetic disorder.

These tests and procedures can provide important information about your health. Most tests have little or no risk to you and can help your health care provider determine the best treatment. But people with medical test anxiety may be so afraid of testing that they avoid them altogether. And this can actually put your health at risk.

What are the types of medical test anxiety?

The most common types of medical anxieties (phobias) are:

What are the types of medical test anxiety?

The most common types of medical anxieties (phobias) are:

• Trypanophobia, the fear of needles. Many people have some fear of needles, but people with trypanophobia have an excessive fear of injections or needles in a medical setting. This fear may stop them from getting the tests or treatment they need. It can be especially dangerous to people with chronic medical conditions that need frequent testing or treatment.
• Iatrophobia, the fear of doctors and medical tests. People with iatrophobia may avoid seeing health care providers for routine care or when they have symptoms of illness. But some minor illnesses can turn serious or even deadly if left untreated.
• Claustrophobia, the fear of enclosed spaces. Claustrophobia can affect people in many different ways and is only considered a phobia if it interferes with your work or other daily activities. You may experience claustrophobia if you are getting an MRI. During an MRI, you are placed inside an enclosed, tube-shaped scanning machine. The space in the scanner is narrow and small.

How do I cope with medical test anxiety?

Talk to your provider about the test. Understanding why it was ordered, what to expect during the test, and what your provider hopes to learn from the results might help to reduce some of your anxiety before the test.

During the test, some relaxation techniques may reduce your medical test anxiety, including:

• Deep breathing. Take three slow breaths. Count to three for each one, then repeat. Slow down if you start to feel lightheaded.
• Counting. Count to 10, slowly and silently.
• Imagery. Close your eyes and picture an image or a place that makes you happy.
• Muscle relaxation. Concentrate on making your muscles feel relaxed and loose.
• Talking. Chat with someone in the room. It may help distract you.

Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or sick to your stomach during the test.

If you have trypanophobia, iatrophobia, or claustrophobia, the following tips may help reduce your specific type of anxiety.

For trypanophobia, fear of needles:

• If you don't have to limit or avoid fluids beforehand, drink lots of water the day before and the morning of your blood test. This puts more fluid in your veins and may make it easier to draw blood.
• Avoid dry skin at the place where your blood will be drawn by moisturizing to decrease any discomfort.
• Stay warm to increase your blood circulation, which may make it easier for your provider to find your vein.
• Ask your provider if you can get a topical anesthetic to numb the skin.
• If the sight of a needle bothers you, close your eyes or turn away during the test.
• If you have diabetes and need regular insulin injections, you might be able to use a needle-free alternative, such as a jet injector. A jet injector delivers insulin using a high-pressure jet of mist instead of a needle.

For iatrophobia, the fear of doctors and medical tests:

• Bring a friend or family member to your appointment for support.
• Bring a book, magazine, or something else to distract you while you wait for your appointment.
• For moderate or severe iatrophobia, you may want to consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
• If you feel comfortable talking with your provider, ask about medicines that could help reduce your anxiety.

To avoid claustrophobia during an MRI:

• Ask your provider for a mild sedative before the scan.
• Ask your provider if you can get tested in an open MRI scanner instead of a traditional MRI. Open MRI scanners are larger and have an open side. It may make you feel less claustrophobic. The images produced may not be as good as those from a traditional MRI, but they still may be helpful in making a diagnosis.

Avoiding medical tests may be harmful to your health. If you suffer from any type of medical anxiety, talk to your provider or a mental health professional.