Emetophobia is a phobia characterized by persistent and excessive worry about throwing up or vomiting. Though exact prevalence is unknown at this time, it is a growing issue with onset often around puberty. Fear of vomiting can sometimes occur after a traumatic experience involving being sick or seeing others get sick (such as a family member with a stomach bug or a peer in class who couldn’t make it to trash can). A study done by the National Institute of Health (NIH) reported that emetophobia often includes extensive avoidance and safety behaviors as well as the presence of panic-like symptoms. Examples may be avoidance of certain places associated with sickness, spending time with friends or peers, speaking in front of others or giving presentations, eating in front of others, eating certain foods, checking behaviors around food or checking the health of others, or any other situations that may lead to fear of getting/becoming sick. It can lead to more serious consequences such as impairment in school, difficulty focusing, and ability to leave “safe” places such as home.

The gold-standard treatment for emetophobia is Exposure/Response prevention. Both Dr. Lazaroe and Ashley have extensive experience in treating this phobia, both by itself or in conjunction with other OCD and anxiety spectrum disorders. Contact us today to set up a consult.

Please view our Treatment Programs page to learn more about the treatment programs offered at our clinic, including our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), as well as our Team page to learn more about our background, practice, and core therapy values.