Teaching patients to self-inject: pilot study of a treatment for injection anxiety and phobia in multiple sclerosis patients prescribed injectable medications

J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2002 Mar;33(1):39-47. doi: 10.1016/s0005-7916(02)00011-3.

Abstract

Medications are increasingly being developed for chronic illnesses that require regular injection. Usually it is recommended that, if possible, patients learn to inject themselves. Self-injection is associated with better adherence than injection by family or clinics. Yet large numbers of people have difficulty learning to self-inject due to injection anxiety or phobia. We present data from eight patients who went through a manualized 6-week cognitive behavioral treatment designed to increase self-efficacy and reduce anxiety. These patients were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, were prescribed weekly intramuscular interferon beta-1a injections, and were unable to self-inject due to anxiety or phobia. Seven of the eight patients were able to inject within the 6 weeks of therapy. The eighth patient self-injected during an additional seventh session. Seven of the eight patients continued to self-inject at 3-month follow-up. Patients showed significant improvements in self-injection self-efficacy and injection anxiety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / prevention & control*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / psychology*
  • Phobic Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Self Administration
  • Teaching / methods*