A 27-yeаr-оld, аthletic yоung mаn has an intense fear оf needles, He tries to rationalize his fear by explaining that he is just being cautious and protecting himself from AIDS. He realizes that his fear is irrational but is unable to control it. The patient has fainted twice in the past when his blood was drawn during a physical examination. He becomes extremely anxious at the sight of a needle and worries for days before an appointment with his physician or dentist.