Emetophobia is an intense, irrational fear or anxiety of or pertaining to vomiting. It is classified among specific phobias in ICD-10 and DSM-IV. This disorder is often hidden because of the shame associated with it among sufferers. As a result emetophobia has been studied less than most other anxiety disorders. Not much is known about the epidemiology, treatment and outcome of this disorder. We describe a woman in her thirties who has been living with emetophobia since she experienced emesis two successive Christmas Eves as a child. Subsequently her fear of vomiting has influenced many aspects of her daily life.

Tables:

Table ISymptoms associated with emetophobia

Panic attacks

Anxiety and depressive symptoms

Avoidance and other behaviors which reduce anxiety

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Reduced social activity

Table IICommon behavioral patterns of subjects with emetophobia

Avoid or severely limit alcohol consumption

Check best-before dates on food items

Avoid sea-travel or flights with small airplanes

Avoid public transport, prefer driving own car

Avoid going to theatre or cinema, choose end of row seats

Avoid pregnancy due to fear of morning sickness and not being able to care for it correctly if it were to become sick

Take great care in choosing meals and restaurants when eating out

Avoid bars and clubs

Avoid dinner parties and crowded rooms

Prefer not to eat in public, and if you do, sit near a door

Key words: Emetophobia, vomiting, emesis, anxiety disorder, specific phobia.

Correspondence: Engilbert Sigurðsson, engilbs@landspitali.is

Kolfinna Snaebjarnardottir¹, Engilbert Sigurdsson^1,2

¹Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, ²Mental Health Services, Landspítali-National University Hospital.