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Emetophobia

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Emetophobia
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Emetophobia is a phobia that causes overwhelming, intense anxiety pertaining to vomit. This specific phobia can also include subcategories of what causes the anxiety, including a fear of vomiting or being vomited on or seeing others vomit.[1] Emetophobes might also avoid the mentions of "barfing", vomiting, "throwing up", or "puking."[2]

It is common for those who suffer from emetophobia to be underweight or malnourished due to strict diets and restrictions they make for themselves. The thought of someone possibly vomiting can cause the phobic person to engage in extreme behaviors to escape from their anxiety triggers, e.g. going to great lengths to avoid situations that could be perceived as "threatening".

Emetophobia is clinically considered an "elusive predicament" because limited research has been done pertaining to it.[3] The fear of vomiting receives little attention compared to other fears.[4][5]

Etymology

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The root word for emetophobia is emesis, from the Greek word emein, which means "an act or instance of vomiting",[6] with -phobia meaning "an exaggerated usually inexplicable fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation."[7]

Overview

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The event of vomiting may make anyone with this particular phobia flee the scene. Some may fear other people throwing up, while others may fear themselves throwing up. Some may fear both. Some may have anxiety that makes them feel as if they will throw up when they actually might not. Other possible fears that may come with emetophobia is not being able to locate a restroom in a timely manner, not being able to stop throwing up, choking on vomit, being embarrassed due to the situation, or having to seek medical attention.[2] People with emetophobia usually experience anxiety; they often may scream, cry, or if it is severe, pass out when someone or something has vomited.

Causes

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People with emetophobia frequently report a vomit-related traumatic event, such as a long bout of stomach flu, accidentally vomiting in public or having to witness someone else vomit, as the start of the emetophobia.[8] They may also be afraid of hearing that someone is feeling like vomiting or that someone has vomited or the mention of any word relating to the act of vomiting, usually in conjunction with the fears of seeing someone vomit or seeing vomit.

Presentation

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Complications

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Emetophobics may also have other complicating disorders and phobias, such as social anxiety, fear of flying and agoraphobia. These three are very common, because people who fear vomiting are often terrified of doing so or encountering it in a public place. Therefore, they may restrict their social activities so they avoid any situations with alcohol or dining out in restaurants. Emetophobics may also limit exposure to children for fear of germs. People who have a fear of vomiting may avoid travel because of the worry about motion sickness or others experiencing it around them. They may also fear roller coasters for the same reason.

Lipsitz et al.'s findings also showed that those with emetophobia often have difficulties comfortably leading a normal life.[1] Many find that they have problems being alone with young children, and they may also avoid social gatherings where alcohol is present.[1] Retaining an occupation becomes difficult for emetophobics. Emetophobia can also affect a person's social life. The phobia can cause people to miss out on everyday events or requirements. It is common for children to miss school, teens/adults to miss work, and for people to go great measures of not socializing with others.[9] Professions and personal goals can be put on hold due to the high anxiety associated with the phobia,[5] and travelling becomes almost impossible for some.[1]

In Lipsitz et al.'s survey, women with emetophobia said that they either delayed pregnancy or avoided pregnancy altogether because of the morning sickness associated with the first trimester,[1][10] and if they did become pregnant, it made pregnancy difficult.[1]

Other inhibitions on daily life can be seen in meal preparation.[1] Many emetophobic people also have specific "rituals" for the food they eat and how they prepare it.[1] They frequently check the freshness of the food along with washing it several times in order to prevent any potential sicknesses that they could contract from foods not handled properly.[1] They might overcook food products in fear of getting a foodborne illness[2] Eating out may also be avoided and when asked Lipsitz et al.'s survey, many felt they were underweight because of the strict diets that they put upon themselves.[1] In addition, many emetophobes avoid certain foods all together due to negative memories they may have with it relating to vomiting, and often eat a limited number of foods due to feeling like a vast majority of foods aren't 'safe'.[11] Those who suffer from emetophobia might avoid anything that has an unpleasant smell or aroma, in fear of vomiting.[2] This includes eating anything that might have a bad smell.[12] They might also avoid any sight that may induce vomiting in them or other people.[12]

Emetophobia and anorexia

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There are some cases where anorexia is the result of a fear of vomiting instead of the typical psychological problems that trigger it.[5] In Frank M. Datillio's clinical case study, a situation where anorexia results from emetophobia is mentioned. Datillio says, "...in one particular case report, atypical anorexia in several adolescent females occurred as a result of a fear of vomiting that followed a viral illness as opposed to the specific desire to lose weight or because of an anxiety reaction.".[5] It is not clear that this should be termed "anorexia", however. In cases such as this, many emetophobes may also have avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), which is characterized by a general disinterest in food, sensory issues with food (taste, texture, look, smell) or a fear of adverse consequences from eating (vomiting or choking).

Oftentimes, this phobia is comorbid with several others, making it necessary to deal with each phobia individually in order for the patient to recover fully. For example, it is common for people with emetophobia to also have a fear of food, known as cibophobia, where they worry that the food they are eating is carrying pathogens that can cause vomiting. As such, people will develop specific behaviors that will, in their minds, make the food safe to eat, such as a ritualistic type of washing or the intentional overcooking of meat to avoid the intake of harmful pathogens. In time, these fears can become so ingrained that the person who has them can begin to experience anorexia nervosa. Again, it is not clear that this should be deemed "anorexia" rather than, for instance OCD, given this different presentation.

Emetophobia and obsessive–compulsive disorder

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There are many cases of emetophobes that also suffer from obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Both emetophobia and OCD have similar symptoms and behaviors according to Allen H. Weg, EdD. This includes: "obsessional thinking, hyper-awareness and reactivity, avoidance, compulsive rituals, and safety behaviors".[12] Emetophobia is often misdiagnosed as OCD.[12]

Causes and signs

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There is a strong agreement in the scientific community that there is no specific cause of emetophobia. Some emetophobics report a traumatic experience with vomiting, always in childhood. Some experts believe that emetophobia may be linked to worries about lack of control. Many people try to control themselves and their environment in every possible way, but vomiting is difficult or impossible to control which can lead to anxiety or in other cases severe anxiety.[13]

There are many factors that can cause a legitimate case of emetophobia. Dr. Angela L. Davidson et al. conducted an experiment where it was concluded through various surveys that people with emetophobia are more likely to have an internal locus of control pertaining to their everyday life as well as health-related matters.[3] A locus of control is an individual's perception of where control comes from. Having an internal locus of control means that an individual perceives that they have their own control over a situation, whereas an external locus of control means that an individual perceives that some things are out of their control. She explains how this phobia is created through the locus of control by stating, "Thus far, it seems reasonable to stipulate that individuals with a vomiting phobia deem events as being within their control and may therefore find it difficult to relinquish this control during the act of vomiting, thus inducing a phobia."[3]

In an internet survey conducted by Dr. Joshua D. Lipsitz et al. given to emetophobic people, respondents gave many different reasons as to why they became emetophobic. Among some of the causes listed were several severe bouts of vomiting as children and being firsthand witnesses to many severe vomiting in others due to illness, pregnancy or alcoholism.[1]

Some possible signs may include not consuming certain foods or alcohol, not being able to watch vomit scenes during movies or shows, avoiding people that are not feeling well, regularly washing hands, steering clear from traveling and crowds, making sure bathrooms are near, consistently checking signs of illness, avoiding certain smells, or pitching food before the expiration date.[14]

Treatments

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Assessment

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There are two assessment tools used to diagnose emetophobia: the Specific Phobia of Vomiting inventory[15] and the Emetophobia Questionnaire.[16] They are self-report questionnaires that focus on a different range of symptoms.

There have been a limited number of studies in regard to emetophobia.[3] Victims of the phobia usually experience fear before vomiting but feel less afterwards. The fear comes back, however, if the victim fears they will throw up again.

Medications

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Also noted in the emetophobia internet survey was information about medications. People were asked whether they would consider taking anxiety medication to potentially help their fear, and many in the study answered they wouldn't for fear that the drugs would make them nauseated.[1] Others, however, stated that some psychotropic medications (such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants) did help with their phobia, and some said gastrointestinal medications were also beneficial.[1]

Cognitive behavioral therapy

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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment that can be used to help calm anxiety.[17] It is most commonly used to treat certain behaviors by changing people's actions and thoughts by using a variety of different techniques to figure out why the fear is occurring.[18] Speaking to a therapist can also be beneficial and develop possible coping mechanisms.[14]

Exposure treatments

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Exposure methods, using video-taped exposure to others vomiting,[19] hypnosis,[20] exposure to nausea[21] and exposure to cues of vomiting,[22] systemic behavior therapy,[23] psychodynamic[24] and psychotherapy[25] have also shown positive effects for the treatment of emetophobia. However, in some cases it may cause re-traumatization, and the phobia may become more intense as a result.

Notable people with emetophobia

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Lipsitz, Joshua D., et al. "Emetophobia: Preliminary Results of an Internet Survey." Depression & Anxiety (1091–4269) 14.2 (2001): 149-52.
  2. ^ a b c d "Fear of Vomiting, or Emetophobia". Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Retrieved 2022-07-15.
  3. ^ a b c d Davidson, Angela L., Christopher Boyle, and Fraser Lauchlan. "Scared to Lose Control? General and Health Locus of Control in Females with a Phobia of Vomiting." Journal of Clinical Psychology 64.1 (2008): 30-9.
  4. ^ Boschen, Mark J. (2007). "Reconceptualizing emetophobia: A cognitive–behavioral formulation and research agenda". Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 21 (3). Elsevier BV: 407–419. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2006.06.007. ISSN 0887-6185. PMID 16890398.
  5. ^ a b c d Frank M. Dattilio. "Emetic Exposure and Desensitization Procedures in the Reduction of Nausea and a Fear of Emesis." Clinical Case Studies 2.3 (2003): 199-210.
  6. ^ "Emesis - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-webster.com. 2012-08-31. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  7. ^ "Phobia - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-webster.com. 2012-08-31. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  8. ^ Becker, E. S., Rinck, M., Türke, V., Kause, P., Goodwin, R., Neumer, S., & Margraf, J. (2007). Epidemiology of specific phobia subtypes: Findings from the Dresden Mental Health Study. European Psychiatry, 22, 69-74.
  9. ^ "Fear of Vomiting, or Emetophobia | Anxiety and". adaa.org. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
  10. ^ Nelson-Percy, C. "Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: When should it be Treated and what can be Safely Taken?" Drug Safety 19.2 (1998): 155-64.
  11. ^ Kay, Joanna. “Emetophobia and Eating Disorders - Mirror.” Mirror Mirror, 2015, mirror-mirror.org/eating-disorders-2-2/emetophobia-and-eating-disorders.
  12. ^ a b c d "International OCD Foundation | Emetophobia: Fear of Vomiting as an Expression of OCD". International OCD Foundation. Retrieved 2022-07-15.
  13. ^ Fritscher, L. (2009). Emetophobia Fear of Vomiting. About.com Health's Disease and Condition. Retrieved from http://phobias.about.com/od/phobiaslist/a/emetophobia.htm Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ a b "Fear of Vomiting, or Emetophobia | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA". adaa.org. Retrieved 2023-03-30.
  15. ^ Veale, David; Ellison, Nell; Boschen, Mark J.; Costa, Ana; Whelan, Chantelle; Muccio, Francesca; Henry, Kareina (18 December 2012). "Development of an Inventory to Measure Specific Phobia of Vomiting (Emetophobia)". Cognitive Therapy and Research. 37 (3). Springer Science and Business Media LLC: 595–604. doi:10.1007/s10608-012-9495-y. hdl:10072/52078. ISSN 0147-5916. S2CID 3309152.
  16. ^ Boschen, M & Riddell, T. (2005) Emetophobia QuestionnaireQ). (Unpublished)
  17. ^ "What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?". Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. American Psychological Association. Retrieved 2022-07-15.
  18. ^ "CBT Protocol". Suffering from or Treating Emetophobia?. 2019-09-17. Retrieved 2022-07-15.
  19. ^ McFadyen M, Wyness J (1983). You don't have to be sick to be a behaviour therapist but it can help! Treatment of a vomit phobia. Behavioural Psychotherapy 11, 173–176.
  20. ^ Wijesinghe B (1974). A vomiting phobia overcome by one session of flooding with hypnosis. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry 5, 169–170.
  21. ^ Lesage A, Lamontagne Y (1985). Paradoxical intention and exposure in vivo in the treatment of psychogenic nausea: report of two cases. Behavioural Psychotherapy 13, 69–75.
  22. ^ Hunter PV, Antony MM (2009). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of emetophobia: the role of interoceptive exposure. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice 16, 84–91.
  23. ^ O'Connor JJ (1983). Why can't I get hives: brief strategic therapy with an obsessional child. Family Process 22, 201–209.
  24. ^ Ritow JK (1979). Brief treatment of a vomiting phobia. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 21, 293–296.
  25. ^ Manassis K, Kalman E (1990). Anorexia resulting from fear of vomiting in four adolescent girls. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 35, 548–550.
  26. ^ "Ashley Benson Interview In Complex-Type A". Complex Networks. June–July 2014.
  27. ^ Bacon, Jess (2022-02-25). "EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick opens up over phobia of vomiting". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
  28. ^ Brooker, Charlie (2008-01-14). "Guardian". London. Retrieved 2009-12-31.
  29. ^ "Contact music". 5 October 2005. Retrieved 2009-09-17.
  30. ^ Segura, Tom; Pazsitzky, Christina (18 August 2017). "Tom Segura Surprises Christina P w/ Barf Clips - YMH Highlight". YouTube. YourMomsHousePodcast.
  31. ^ "The Worst Witch's Bella.Cringe Questions". YouTube. 2019-01-05.
  32. ^ Cavna, Michael (2019-09-12). "Raina Telgemeier became a hero to millions of readers by showing how uncomfortable growing up can be". Washington Post. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
  33. ^ SuperMegaCast. "SuperMegaCast - EP 298 - Rango (ft. MeatCanyon)". Google Podcasts. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  34. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 in Four - Living with OCD: 5 Key Questions Answered". BBC. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
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