Treatment for Emetophobia (Fear of Vomiting)
What is Emetophobia?
Emetophobia is the intense fear of vomiting. If you have emetophobia, you may constantly worry about vomiting and this anxiety may begin to control your life. The uncertainty about when or if you may throw up is a key driver of anxiety.
People with this phobia often fear:
loss of control
physical suffering while vomiting
repeated vomiting and not being able to stop
embarrassing yourself in front of others
For individuals with emetophobia, anxiety symptoms frequently interfere with their ability to function in a variety of settings or to enjoy various aspects of their life. Worries about vomiting may prevent you from participating in certain social activities, eating at restaurants, or eating certain foods. Avoidance and more subtle “safety behaviors” may provide temporary relief, but only serve to worsen the phobia over time.
Common Safety Behaviors in Emetophobia
Avoiding certain foods or new foods
Overcooking meat or seafood
Throwing out foods that are nearing the expiration date (but not yet expired)
Examining foods carefully before consuming them
Carrying water, mints, or medicines with you when you leave home
Looking up reviews before going to a new restaurant
Avoiding eating to fullness
Monitoring physical sensations
Isolating when experiencing stomach discomfort
Locating trash cans and bathrooms or sitting near exits when in public
Monitoring others for signs of illness
Avoiding hearing words associated with vomiting
How Do You Treat Emetophobia?
Like with other anxiety disorders, treatment will focus on helping you to increase your ability to tolerate uncertainty and to let go of “safety behaviors” and other forms of avoidance that provide the illusion of control at the expense of your mental health.
Components of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy include:
Gaining insight into the mechanisms that underlie and maintain anxiety symptoms
Gradually decreasing avoidance by confronting triggering situations
Re-evaluating the accuracy of beliefs about what will happen if you do not engage in safety behaviors or avoidance
Learning how to manage this disorder in order to prevent relapse of symptoms
It is important that clients work with a mental health professional who has training and experience conducting exposure therapy with individuals with emetophobia.
Additional Information about Emetophobia
Emetophobia Help - https://emetophobiahelp.org
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) - Fear of Vomiting, or Emetophobia
Books on Emetophobia:
Ready to Get Started?
I have specialized training in treating anxiety disorders and extensive experience treating individuals with emetophobia. To learn more about how I can help you work to reduce your emetophobia symptoms, contact me to schedule a free consultation.
During your consultation we will discuss your reasons for seeking counseling, your goals, and how I may be able to help you work toward these goals. If we don't feel like I am a good match for you, I will be happy to assist you in finding a therapist who may be a better fit for you.
If you decide to schedule an initial therapy appointment, then I will ask you to complete some paperwork for new clients ahead of your first appointment.