Emetophobia
Emetophobia, commonly known as the fear of vomiting, can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and overall well-being.
Emetophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of vomiting or seeing others vomit. Individuals with emetophobia often experience extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and a constant preoccupation with the fear of vomiting. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding certain foods, situations, or places that may trigger nausea or vomiting.
Research indicates emetophobia usually starts at around the age of 9. Because emetophobia is often misdiagnosed as other symptoms (e.g. OCD, eating disorders) most people end up living with emetophobia into adulthood and struggle to know where to turn for help.
Emetophobia symptoms in children can include:
Trouble sleeping
Eating difficulties which can lead to anorexia, ARFID (avoidant restrictive food-intake disorder)
Avoiding school
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
OCD (e.g. checking use-by-dates, hand-washing)
Difficulty going on family holidays
Fear of going on car journeys
Social withdrawal
Avoidance of food/objects/situations that were present when they were last sick
Persistent feelings of nausea