Treating self-injection phobia in patients prescribed injectable medications: A case example illustrating a six-session treatment model Original Research Article

This article provides a case description of a patient with multiple sclerosis prescribed interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a), a weekly intramuscular injection, who met DSM-IV criteria for specific phobia, blood/injection type. This patient successfully completed a 6-week manualized cognitive-behavioral treatment for self-injection anxiety. Issues presented include dealing with vasovagal responses and examples of typical dysfunctional thoughts related to self-injecting. The patient was able to successfully self-inject following treatment, and gains were maintained for 18-month follow-up.