Factors Causing Anxiety in MRI
The level of anxiety that patients experience varies and is dependent on a number of factors. Some factors include their existing level of knowledge of what to expect, the length of the exam, the size of the machine bore (opening) and whether they fit comfortably, and their past MRI experiences1,14,19,25. First-time MRI patients appear to have more anxiety than patients who have had previous MRI14. This claim was supported in a study that observed patients’ cortisol levels were higher in those who underwent MRI examinations the first time compared to the second scan14. This study concluded the “habituation”14(p. 160) of having an MRI experience decreases anxiety due to desensitization11,14. Systematic desensitization is a common cognitive therapy approach to treating phobias that involves exposing the person to the phobic stimulus over a period of time to decrease their anxiety26. It is believed that the more examinations a patient has the less likely they will experience anxiety11,14.
Inadequate patient education contributes to MRI anxiety. There has been a deficiency of patient education, with false and/or exaggerated ideas about what to expect during an MRI exam1,27. While having improved over the years, formal education for patients about MRI examinations is still lacking, with the majority of information given being informal from family members, friends and, unfortunately, hospital-based television programs that often depict this exam in a negative light. The information patients get from friends and relatives is somewhat true; however, every person’s experience is unique due to the variability of factors that contribute to anxiety19,28. For example, some people may be sensitive to the noise level, whereas another may find the small space bothersome19,29. For more information on the causes of MRI anxiety, see figure 1 below.
To help combat this misinformation, accurate information of what patients can expect during MRI exams is necessary27. There is truth in the saying coined by philosopher Sir Frances Bacon: “Knowledge is power.” Patients who are knowledgeable have a greater sense of control over the situation as a loss of control is a major anxiety inducer25,27. Furthermore, patients have shown interest in receiving more detailed information about MRI examinations.
Figure 1. Top 10 Reasons for MRI Anxiety
