Medical Test Anxiety - Types and Management

Introduction

Medical test anxiety is when people feel scared or worried before or during medical tests or procedures. It can cause more stress and possibly affect how well the test goes and the results we get. Finding ways to relax, talking to healthcare providers, and getting support can help reduce test anxiety.

What Is Medical Test Anxiety?

The unusual fear of undergoing a medical test is known as medical test anxiety. Most people have a sense of fear and uncertainty while undergoing any medical test. The uncertainty may be related to the procedure or the reports related to the test. Though most individuals can deal with it, few of them experience very stressful situations. People might feel anxious, nervous, irrational fear or a phobia, and at times frustration and anger too. It can even lead to a state of depression, where the patient may require certain physical and emotional support to overcome the issue.

What Are the Different Medical Tests Routinely Advised?

There are various types of medical tests that are done. A few of them are as mentioned below,

Analysis of Body Fluid:

Blood, urine, sputum, saliva, serum, semen, and stool are the most common body fluids that are analyzed to identify any pathology.

Imaging:

X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound, angiography, laparoscopy, echocardiogram, and nuclear imaging are some of the routinely done imaging processes for establishing a diagnosis.

Genetic Testing:

Genetic testing is carried out to commonly identify disorders caused due to genetic mutation or any chromosomal abnormality.

Interventional Procedures:

Angioplasty, biopsy, needle biopsy, stent placement, ablation, and embolization are some procedures used to diagnose and treat the disease simultaneously.

Why Does Anxiety Occur Before a Medical Test?

Most people naturally experience fear, anxiousness, and constant worry before going for any medical tests. The anxiety stems from the basic fact of “fear of the unknown.” It is the uncertainty about the procedure and the ambiguity of the test results that develop fear in the patients. They begin to imagine the worst possible scenario and the worst outcome resulting in a panic. The below-mentioned reasons could contribute to the worsening of the anxiety:

• A negative experience by someone who had a similar procedure.

• A positive family history of the same disease could make the patients think they would also surely get the same condition.

• Not knowing what the result would be or how to handle the situation once the reports come affirmative.

• Lack of physical and emotional support.

• Picturing beforehand that the procedure would be painful or would cause serious discomfort.

• Needless reading online information which may or may not apply to the same procedure.

What Are the Different Types of Medical Anxieties Commonly Seen?

Medical test anxiety can transform into a phobia. A phobia is a persistent and strong fear of anything. Phobias are thought to be a type of anxiety disorder. Many people with phobias experience intensified heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, trembling of the body, excessive sweating, and vomiting. The most commonly encountered phobias in medical testing are as described below,

Trypanophobia:

Trypanophobia is an extreme fear of needles or procedures involving injections and needles. Trypanophobia is most commonly seen among children; however, studies have shown that even a few adults also struggle with trypanophobia. The fear can be so extreme that people may avoid medical care to evade tests and treatments. The intensity of anxiety is high enough to cause a panic attack just at the thought of a procedure involving a needle.

Iatrophobia:

Iatrophobia is an extreme fear of medical tests and doctors. People with iatrophobia would refuse medical care till the need for hospitalization arises.

Claustrophobia:

Claustrophobia is the extreme fear of an enclosed space. This is mostly seen in patients who get magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done as it is a small, narrow, enclosed scanning machine.

How to Manage Medical Test Anxiety?

A medical test cannot be avoided as it can prove to be a health deterrent. In order to remain healthy, it is mandatory to have certain routine health checkups, which may involve a few diagnostic tests. Early signs of diseases should not be ignored due to medical fear and anxiety. Early detection of any disorder could result in timely management and prove beneficial to the patient. Medical test anxiety can be managed in the following ways:

General Instructions:

• Break the “Fear of the Unknown”

To break the “fear of the unknown,” it is important to take the doctor’s advice as he is the best person to guide the patient about the procedure; why is the test done? How will the patient feel before, during, and after the procedure? What are the benefits and risks associated? How should the patient be prepared for the procedure? A clear answer to the above questions from the treating doctor may ease the nerves and thus help the patients be better prepared for the test.

• Exercise and Meditation

Studies have encouraged meditation and exercising as a way to calm oneself. Exercise releases certain biomolecules known as endorphins that can help calm the mind and relax. Deep breaths in meditation can help slow down the heart rate and thereby help the patients feel more relaxed. They may also act as a good form of distraction by keeping the mind occupied.

• Counting

Slow counting from one to ten and reverse counting can again be a good form of distraction to keep the mind in control and reduce the anxiety

• Imaging

Imagining a happy environment, a feel-good situation, or a happy picture can make patients feel good and less stressful

• Media Distraction

Listening to soothing music, reading books, or social media websites can be a good source of distraction and thus reduce anxiety to a great extent.

• Rule Out Negative Thoughts

Patients should avoid having a preconceived notion that the test will be painful or uncomfortable. They should also not assume that just by getting a test done, they are affirmative for the disease. Negative thoughts would create more fear and anxiety.

• Positive Control

A diagnostic test should help patients gain better control over the disease as they can start the treatment early and have a better quality of life. Connect with some support groups as they might be able to share their experience and help to be better prepared.

The individual phobias can be managed as below,

Trypanophobia:

Trypanophobia patients should inform their doctor or health care practitioner about their condition beforehand. They can be managed in the following ways:

• A topical anesthetic to numb before injecting the needle.

• They can be asked to look away if the sight of the needle is causing fear.

• Diabetic patients can use a needle-free alternative such as a jet injector for insulin. While the needle is being injected, patients can distract themselves by counting, deep breathing, wiggling their toes, or chatting with someone.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy or talk therapy with a therapist can help to a certain extent to overcome the fear.

• Exposure therapy where a constant and slow introduction of the needles over some time can alter the mental response to fear.

Iatrophobia:

• Iatrophobic patients can get their medical care with the help of telemedicine. This can help them overcome the anxiety of doctors.

• Patients can listen to music, read books or have a friend or family member accompany them.

• Psychotherapy can help to a certain extent.

• Anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants can help to reduce the symptoms associated with the phobia.

Claustrophobia:

• Claustrophobic patients should inform the radiologist before any procedure such as MRI or PET.

• A mild sedative can help claustrophobic patients undergo the procedure smoothly.

• An open MRI can be preferred over a traditional MRI. Open MRI scanning machines are larger with an open side.

Conclusion:

A delay in seeking medical help can compromise health. Routine medical tests and diagnostic tests are the prime modes of diagnosing a disease. Early detection and expeditious management are the keys to a superior quality of life. Anxiety and fear of medical tests are common and natural yet easily manageable. There are various methods to reduce anxiety and stress before taking a medical test. Disclosing the fear with the treating doctor is the easiest way to cope with medical test anxiety. Therefore, it is not advisable to avoid or delay medical care due to medical test anxiety.