Author/Authors :
Teck LungWong, Daniel Department of Psychiatry - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , Chan, Lai Fong Department of Psychiatry - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , Wahab, Suzaily Department of Psychiatry - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , Sulaiman, Aqmar Suraya Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , Zurrusydi Zainuddin, Muhammad Department of Anaesthesiology - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , Lee, Voon Yee Department of Psychiatry - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , Maniam, Thambu Department of Psychiatry - Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract :
Introduction: Blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia is a common anxiety disorder that is non-fatal in most cases. Nevertheless, BII
phobia in pregnancy can pose intricate medico-legal management issues.
Case Presentation: A 24 year-old post-term (40 weeks + 9 days) primigravida refused induction of labour because of BII phobia,
thereby presenting a serious obstetrical dilemma due to the precarious balance between patient’s autonomy and the pressing risk
of intrauterine death. Caesarean section was successfully performed after sessions of urgent graded exposure therapy.
Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of close multidisciplinary teamwork.
