[5] The inclusion of BII within the category of specific or simple phobias in classificatory systems reflects a perception that fear has a primary role in the disorder.
Trait anxiety provides a background of affective arousal that permits a more rapid activation of the fight or flight response.
Investigators typically classify around 60% of self-reported onsets of blood-injury phobia as beginning with conditioning experiences.
[7] However, examinations of available case-by-case verbal summaries call into question the conclusion that conditioning episodes are as prevalent as reported.
The standard approach to treatment is the same as with other phobias—cognitive-behavioral therapy, desensitization, and possibly medications to help with the anxiety and discomfort.