What is Emetophobia?
Emetophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense and irrational fear of vomiting or seeing others vomit. People with emetophobia often experience extreme anxiety and distress when they are exposed to situations or stimuli associated with vomiting, such as the sight or smell of vomit, feeling nauseous, or being in environments where they perceive a higher risk of vomiting (such as hospitals or public transportation). This phobia can significantly impact a person's daily life, leading to avoidance of certain foods, places, or activities and may cause difficulties in social situations.
Avoided Situations in Emetophobia
- Trying new foods
- Drinking alcohol
- Being around certain odors
- TV/movies with scenes of vomiting
- Bumpy travel (e.g., planes, boats, car rides)
- Words and phrases like vomit, hurl, puke, and throw up
- Places or situations where others may possibly gag or vomit
- People who are ill
- Babies who may spit up
- Amusement parks
Common Safety Behaviors and Rituals
- Excessively checking expiration dates
- Planning escape routes when out
- Hypervigilance about gastrointestinal symptoms
- Carrying extra nausea medication
- Eating out at only “safe” restaurants
- Carefully eating on days before outings
- Constant monitoring of body sensation
- Mental rituals, such as repetitive counting
- Frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizers
How is Emetophobia treated?
Emetophobia, which is an intense fear of vomiting or nausea, can be effectively treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Since it is often considered a form of OCD, similar strategies to treat OCD are used to treat emetophobia. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be incorporated into treatment to enhance motivation and treatment success. ACT can help you deal with your fear by teaching you skills to tolerate and accept the uncomfortable sensations and thoughts associated with it. It can also help you shift your focus from trying to eliminate fear to pursuing a meaningful and fulfilling life that is in line with your values, allowing you to engage in behaviors that are important to you, even in the presence of fear.
