Emetophobia in Autistic People: What Clinicians Should Know

"Emetophobia is an intense and persistent fear of vomiting that extends well beyond simple discomfort or aversion. For many people, this phobia affects daily functioning, relationships, appetite, and overall quality of life. Although emetophobia is relatively rare, it is often debilitating and can be difficult to treat. Research to date suggests that its presentation and maintenance are complex, and clinicians frequently note that standard treatment approaches do not always lead to significant improvement (Keyes et al., 2018)."

"According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision ( DSM-5 TR), emetophobia sits under the category of "Specific Phobia." A specific phobia involves a marked and persistent fear of a particular object or situation. In this case, the feared stimulus is vomiting or situations associated with vomiting. Anticipation of the trigger can provoke intense anxiety, leading to avoidance of foods, places, or scenarios perceived as risky."

Emetophobia is an intense, persistent fear of vomiting classified as a specific phobia in the DSM-5-TR. Anticipatory anxiety and avoidance of foods, places, or situations perceived as risky can disrupt daily functioning, relationships, appetite, and overall quality of life. The condition is relatively rare but often debilitating and difficult to treat, and clinicians frequently report that standard treatment approaches do not always produce significant improvement. Limited research has examined emetophobia within autistic populations, but clinical observations suggest higher frequency and greater persistence among some autistic adults. Autism-related factors such as hypo- or hyperreactivity to sensory input may contribute to more intense or enduring fear responses in these individuals.

Read at Psychology Today