Emetophobia : Fear of Vomit

Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting or seeing others vomit. This is considered a specific phobia. The fear can develop following an experience with vomit or randomly. Although most of us do not like to vomit, this becomes a phobia when the fear becomes excessive. Many individuals with this phobia avoid situations in which there is a chance of vomiting/getting sick/seeing others vomit. Safety behaviors/compulsions perpetuate the fear. Sometimes things like saying the words vomit, puke, upchuck, spew, and splatter can be extremely difficult for individuals with this fear. One might notice:

• increased anxiety around certain foods

• sudden restrictive eating

• fear of swallowing/choking

• embarrassing yourself

• always needing to know where bathrooms are

• questioning others about their illness/health

• avoidance of situations that involve alcohol, sugar, restaurants or places/items that are involved in an incident with vomiting

• checking expiration dates of foods

• smelling and inspecting foods

• avoidance of travel or being away from home

• engaging in excessive hand washing/handsanitizer use.

  Currently, the best treatment for this phobia is exposure and response prevention or ERP. There is help.