Emetophobia, also known simply as the fear of throwing up is a word which is derived from the Greek word emesis, which means vomiting, and the word phobia – irrational fear. . It is a very little-understood phobia, and unlike what you’d expect, it is actually one of the most common phobias – some estimates place it at the fifth position.

Many emetophobia sufferers stay quiet about it because they’re embarrassed over it, so that’s why there is so little publicity about it. This makes finding good treatment harder as well. And it truly is a serious and disabling condition – whereas with other phobias you can usually avoid the source of your fear. When you’re afraid of flying, you can take the car instead.

But with emetophobia the problem is serious because there is no where to escape – you are, essentially, afraid of yourself. Some people have tried, but it really is not possible to run away from yourself, which means an ever-present fear. Life really is tougher for emetophobia sufferers, and they have a higher risk for depression and anxieties.

What are the causes of such a strange phobia? The emetophobic individual usually has had a traumatic bout of vomiting when young or witnessed one, and this created a lasting impression. Many times the child’s parents have also played a considerable role, i.e. by causing the child to feel excessive guilt.

There are many common factors that all emetophobes, or people who have fear of vomiting, share. This includes dividing foods into safe and unsafe categories and refusing to eat food in the latter category, limiting travel, not drinking alcohol. Other fears include being afraid of eating in public or simply anywhere where the individual cannot control how the food is prepared.

Something that often also accompanies fear of vomiting is a fear of people who are ill. This should be a good hint at what causes this phobia and could help along in developing treatment for this condition.

However, this is a disorder that has been relatively little studied. Science has not given any certain explanation to the causes behind this fear. However, emetophobia sufferers can probably make a really good guess about the experience that might be behind it.

There is an increased need for a cure for emetophobia, and the existing ones differ in effectiveness. Hypnosis has been claimed to work, as well as cognitive behaviour therapy – which basically is about learning to take control over your thoughts and redirect them.

If you wish to read on about emetophobia, visit our site here: Emetophobia, or here: Fear of Vomiting.

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Filed under: Health

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