Emetophobia: When the Fear of Vomiting Takes Over
Most people dislike vomiting. But for someone with emetophobia—a persistent and excessive fear of vomiting—the possibility of getting sick can begin to shape everyday life.
And if you have emetophobia, you’re far from alone. Research suggests approximately 0.1–0.2% of people may experience a specific phobia of vomiting, while less severe but still significant fears of vomiting may affect several percent of the population. Some research has found rates as high as 8%, depending on how emetophobia is defined and measured.
Many people with emetophobia are surprised—and relieved—to discover that other people experience these fears too.
What Does Emetophobia Look Like?
Common fears include vomiting, feeling nauseated, seeing someone else vomit, catching a stomach virus, losing control, being embarrassed or having illness disrupt work, school, travel or plans.
What Keeps the Fear Going?
People may avoid certain foods, restaurants, travel, crowds, children or anyone who seems sick. They might check expiration dates, monitor stomach sensations, seek reassurance, wash excessively or carry medications “just in case.”
These strategies reduce anxiety temporarily—but can reinforce the belief that vomiting is dangerous and must be prevented.
How Is Emetophobia Treated?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can be effective for emetophobia. Treatment may gradually involve nausea-related words, images, sounds, smells, foods, situations or physical sensations. Imaginal exposure can also address fears about what might happen if vomiting occurred.
The goal isn’t to guarantee you’ll never vomit. It’s learning that you can tolerate uncertainty and live your life without organizing it around the fear of vomiting.
Ready to stop organizing your life around the fear of vomiting?
BrainSpace Anxiety & OCD Therapy provides specialized CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for emetophobia, OCD and other anxiety disorders. In-person therapy is available in the Columbus area, with telehealth available throughout Ohio. get started here!
References
Boschen, M. J. (2007). Reconceptualizing emetophobia: A cognitive-behavioral formulation and research agenda. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 21(3), 407–419.
van Hout, W. J. P. J., & Bouman, T. K. (2012). Clinical features, prevalence and psychiatric complaints in subjects with fear of vomiting. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 19(6), 531–539.
Keyes, A., Gilpin, H. R., & Veale, D. (2018). Phenomenology, epidemiology, co-morbidity and treatment of a specific phobia of vomiting: A systematic review of an understudied disorder. Clinical Psychology Review, 60, 15–31.
