Emetophobia 101
What is emetophobia?
The intense fear of vomiting or seeing other vomit
What is avoidance?
Staying away from people, place, foods, tv shows/ etc. that remind you of vomit or where you have experienced vomit before
Every time your stomach hurts you'll puke
False
A skill where you breath in slowly through your nose, and them slowly out of your mouth
Deep breathing!
How common is emetophobia in kids? What percentage? More boys or girls?
10-20% in general, girls experience emetophobia more than boys
What are hygiene rituals?
Washing your hands, body, foods, clothes, or counters a certain way to avoid possible contamination
True
A skill where you squeeze each muscle one at a time and then release each muscle one at a time
Squeeze and release
What causes emetophobia?
Many things cause emetophobia! Most people develop emetophobia after a scary experience related to vomitting (ex: choking, illness, social embarrassment). Because our bodies naturally avoid anything 'bad' it does anything to prevent vomiting.
What is reassurance?
Asking safe people if you're ok, or the food you will eat is ok
The more you monitor your stomach, the more noticeable stomachaches become
True!
Thinking about a happy place
Changing our thought
is emetophobia treatable?
YES
Limiting how much you eat, in hopes to not throw up.
Avoiding situations that make you afraid of puke, makes the fear stronger
True
Name two HEALTHY distractions
Music, playing with a friend, taking a walk, playing a game, watching a show
How do you treat emetophobia?
Slowing exposing yourself to thoughts/feelings/people/places/foods/etc. that bring on the fear of vomiting.
This is done with safe people and in a safe places! Everyone moves at their own pace.
What are physical symptoms?
1) constant stomachaches, headaches, or dizziness
2) difficulty sleeping
3) Low body weight
4) Heart racing
Thinking about vomit, means you will vomit
False!
Name two UNHEALTHY distractions
Oversleeping, binge watching tv/movies, using substance