Emetophobia

Emetophobia is a specific phobia centered on overwhelming and intense anxiety about vomit, encompassing fear of vomiting oneself, of being vomited on by someone else, or of simply witnessing another person vomit. People with the condition often avoid even speaking or hearing words connected to vomiting, such as barfing, throwing up, or puking, and may go to considerable lengths to prevent situations where vomiting could occur, including avoiding certain foods, restricting travel, or limiting social contact with people who are unwell. Because the fear frequently drives restrictive eating to avoid any risk of nausea, affected individuals can become underweight or malnourished as a secondary consequence of their avoidance behavior. Clinicians describe emetophobia as clinically elusive, since it has received comparatively little dedicated research attention next to more commonly studied phobias such as fear of heights or enclosed spaces, even though its effects on social functioning, employment, and daily routine can be severe and pervasive for those who live with it.