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Therapeutic Interventions for Emetophobia
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Many of us can recall the unfortunate experience of a vomiting episode in our past that may have occurred for various reasons, including motion sickness, food poisoning, general illness and more. However, the majority of us are able to recover from the experience of vomiting without any ill-effect.
Individuals who struggle with emetophobia experience an extreme fear of vomiting, the smell/sight/sound of vomiting, and/or seeing another individual vomiting. While it might seem odd, this disorder can be debilitating and prevent a person from carrying out daily normal tasks, being in social situations, and more.
Causes of Emetophobia
While there is no known cause contributed to emetophobia, clinicians agree that there are likely both biological and environmental influences. For example, a person who struggles with an extreme fear of vomiting may have been predisposed to developing anxiety type disorders.
This could have further been triggered by a traumatic event related to vomiting, which could have allowed the development of a full on phobia. Lack of appropriate coping mechanisms could also exacerbate a phobia or extreme fear of vomiting.
Other concurrent mental health issues may exist with emetophobia, including anxiety or depression. In some instances, the existence of emetophobia can lead to an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa. For example, a person who fears vomiting related to eating certain foods may begin restricting as a means of attempting to prevent the possibility of a recurring vomiting episode.
Treatments for Emetophobia
Individuals who struggle with emetophobia are often confined within their fears, typically unable to function in many social situations. This is a serious condition that warrants professional help and therapeutic interventions for treatment and recovery. Fortunately, there are many forms of therapy that can be helpful in this type of situation, allowing a person to better manage the emetophobia and live a full life.
Forms of therapeutic intervention might include but are not limited to psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, medication management, and medical nutrition therapy. Other interventions might include mindfulness, meditation, yoga and movement therapy and more.
If you have struggled with emetophobia, know that there are therapeutic interventions that can help you manage your fears. Consider connecting with a professional today!
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
If you have struggled with emetophobia, what forms of treatment were helpful for you?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 14, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
