Information on Emetophobia

What is it?

Emetophobia is a condition that is not widely diagnosed even though it is a fairly prevalent anxiety disorder.

Those with emetophobia experience a fear of vomiting or seeing others being sick. They may also fear the feeling of being out of control while they are being sick or fear being sick in public which can trigger avoidance behaviours.

Emetophobia varies enormously in how it effects suffers; most worry excessively about being sick even though they are less likely than the general population to be sick because of all the steps they take to avoid being ill. For instance, suffers may be unable to leave home if there are any tummy bugs going around and they will avoid family and friends who have an illness. This can present quite a dilemma for mothers who can experience extreme panic if their child is ill and will feel terrified if they are actually sick. Many suffers will also have a strict diet which is free from anything that might cause a stomach upset and some will avoid medications which list nausea as a side-effect. Many women will also dread the thought of being pregnant because of concerns about coping with 'morning-sickness'.

Want to know more?

This ANXIETY UK site has information on a range of resources to get more detailed information and help.

ANXIETY UK Publications

  • Anxiety UK publishes a fact sheet, CD and tape which deals with Emetophobia and is available from the ANXIETY UK online shop

Recommended Reading

Coping with Extreme Fear of Vomiting Emetophobia: Coping with Extreme Fear of Vomiting by Nicolette Heaton-Harris
ISBN 1843105365
Emetophobia, the extreme fear of vomiting, can affect just about every aspect of sufferer's life, from everyday considerations ('what food will be "safe" for me to eat?') to matters that involve making huge, potentially devastating decisions ('I can't have this baby, I can't face morning sickness'). Nicolette Heaton-Harris has first-hand experience of the phobia and its effects. She suggests strategies for coping with the high levels of anxiety that are intrinsic to the phobia, as well as pre-empting and avoiding anxiety attacks.

Purchase online | More recommended reading

Recommended Websites

  • EmetOnline.co.uk
    www.emetonline.co.uk

    This website aims to support not just emetophobic sufferers but also their family members. It has useful pages of information detailing films to be avoided with 'sick scenes' in and has the usual FAQ, personal stories and latest news.

  • Gut reaction
    www.gut-reaction.freeserve.co.uk

    This site is UK based but has members from around the globe. It covers all the latest news and research regarding emetophobia and you can order an information CD from them. Also has an extremely friendly and useful forum for members.

  • International Emetophobia Society
    www.emetophobia.org

    This is a forum-based site that has many members from around the world. Very friendly. There are discussions arenas, chatrooms and FAQ pages.