Emetophobia or fear of vomiting: overcome it with EMDR online therapy – Online Psychologists

Vomiting is a purgative act that we have all carried out at some point in our lives. When we were children, in moments of which we have no memory, the most common thing was to expel some of the food we had eaten. When we grow up, vomiting is less frequent and although there are times when it is normal, for some people it can be an episode of panic. The fear of vomiting has a name and is called emetophobia.

We can talk about a phobia of vomiting if…

Emetophobia is a little-known anxiety disorder characterized by a extreme fear of vomiting or seeing someone vomit. The word “emetophobia” is derived from the Greek word “emetos” meaning “vomit,” and “phobia” meaning “irrational fear.” People who suffer from emetophobia experience a severe anxiety and often avoid situations that might trigger vomiting, such as flying, eating in public, or even being around people who appear sick.

This isn't just a simple fear of vomiting. People with emetophobia experience a very high level of anxiety that often affects their quality of life. For example, some individuals may stop eating or drinking excessively to avoid vomiting. Others may avoid social or work situations that make them feel sick or anxious, which can lead to the loss of friendships, work, and even depression.

The exact cause of emetophobia is not fully understood. However, it is believed that some factors may play a role in its development, such as genetics, the experience of a serious illness in childhood, stress and anxiety. It has also been shown that certain eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, may be associated with emetophobia.

One of the factors may be traumatic experiences related to sensations of suffocation or drowning during vomiting.

Another factor may be a heightened sensitivity to the feeling of disgust, which makes some people more likely to develop emetophobia.

Psychological factors can also play a role in phobias. In the case of emetophobia, the fear of vomiting can also be related to the fear of expressing something violently through the mouth. For example, people who have difficulty defending themselves or expressing their anger may also experience this disorder.

Symptoms of emetophobia can vary from person to person, but generally include physiological, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.

It is important to note that the symptoms of emetophobia can be debilitating and negatively affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional to receive the appropriate treatment.

Psychological treatment with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is increasingly being used to treat fear of vomiting. This therapy seeks to address underlying traumatic experiences that may have contributed to the development of the disorder.

During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides the patient to identify the memory traumatic that is related to the fear of vomiting. The patient is then asked to Imagine the memory while following with your eyes the movements that the therapist makes with his fingers or with some other bilateral stimulusThe idea is that bilateral eye movements help process memory information in a more adaptive way, allowing the person to decrease the emotional intensity associated with fear.

EMDR treatment may also include Identifying and addressing negative thoughts and distorted behaviors related to the fear of vomiting, as well as the development of coping and problem-solving skills to manage fear in challenging situations.

While EMDR treatment can be effective for some people with emetophobia, it is important to seek out a mental health professional trained in EMDR therapy to ensure that appropriate and safe treatment is received.

At we have been experts in online therapy since 2012. Throughout our career We have helped more than 1,600 patients overcome various emotional problems. If you are interested in seeking the help of an online psychologist, you can request a free first session by clicking on the button below.