Though distressing, people can manage emetophobia with the right treatment plan.
The gold standard therapy for specific phobias, including emetophobia, is exposure-based therapy. Medication can also be helpful in managing symptoms.
Exposure therapy
People with emetophobia often strive to avoid situations they fear might make them vomit, and may isolate themselves in an attempt to remain “safe.”
According to 2017 research, exposure therapy may be a successful treatment method for emetophobia.
In exposure therapy, a mental health professional exposes the person to something they fear or avoid in a safe environment. This exposure helps to reduce the person’s fear and avoidance responses.
With emetophobia, exposure therapy may involve gradually introducing things like:
- certain foods or beverages
- smells
- sounds or images of someone vomiting
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that “re-trains” the brain to view potentially activating experiences in a different way to lessen fear or anxiety.
CBT for emetophobia may involve helping you approach, rather than avoid, anxiety-inducing situations related to your fear of vomiting. It also helps you challenge your beliefs or fears regarding vomiting.