Emetophobia is one of the most common and widespread phobias. It is an elusive condition, clinically, because there is limited research available and its symptoms and causes can be wide and varied . Although the fundamental definition of this phobia is an irrational fear of vomiting, it usually spreads out to include a lot of other factors.
Symptoms in Children
Emetophobia usually occurs in children in the age group of six to ten years of age. Though some causes of emetophobia are well known, in a number of cases there may not be any particular cause that triggers the development if the condition.
An example may be that the phobia could be developed if he or she has suffered an acute and serious case of vomiting in the formative years and the parents or the guardians inadvertently shows signs of disapproval or panic. It could also develop in children who have witnessed severe sickness, throwing up or any other kind of illness. This could be true in the case of pregnant mothers, illness, or alcoholic parents.
It is important to remember that the act of throwing up at that particular time may not be very severe. However, it is the reaction in the unconscious mind of the child to that specific event that plants the seed of anxiety. As a result, a large number of emetophobic adults are unable to recall how they acquired this phobia without help and regressive hypnosis.
It is important to remember that though this is not a hereditary condition, it could pass on to the child if any one of the parents suffers from the fears and problems of an unsettled stomach.
Children who develop Emetophobia show a wide variety of symptoms. Some of them are discussed here.
- Your child starts showing major fluctuations in their moods and temperament. They could also show signs of depression.
- The child starts talking and discussing about vomiting very frequently with the parents and this is something that he or she never discussed before.
- It appears as though the child is getting obsessed with stomach upsets. There is an overreaction when anyone talks about vomiting or throwing up.
- Not only does your little one not want to meet any friend or any members of the family who are sick, they do not even want to discuss anything related to this topic.
- It is time to get concerned when the child starts behaving in a little strange fashion. He or she exhibits some signs of odd behavior that have never been witnessed before and there are no possible explanations for it.
- There is a sudden start of pickiness of food and narrowing down of the choice of things the child wants to eat. It is generally accompanied with the child eating lesser portions of the meals.
- The child seeks to avoid school or children’s parties.
However, it is significant to remember that simply because your little one is showing one or more of the above mentioned symptoms should not lead you to the belief that they are suffering from this condition.
It is only when one or more than one signs are being repeated constantly that there may be a cause for concern and a chance that your child is suffering from emetophobia.
Another signal may be if the child starts carrying a wide variety of “crutches” and showing sign of significant agitation at the though of them being taken away. Some of the common examples of these crutches are vitamin c tablets, antacids, charcoal biscuits, peppermint sweets, ginger candy and numerous types of tablets and pills associated with stomach conditions.
It is important to understand the reason why a child with Emetophobia does this. They believe that these crutches cannot only prevent but also are also effective to control the vomiting.
The outcome is that They will be plagued by endless panic or anxiety attacks. They will spend the entire day thinking as to how they can prevent vomiting or what will happen if they cannot escape it. Some of them will also try to avoid traveling because they will be worried that it will make them nauseous. They might become underweight since they will eat only what they consider are safe foods.
They will go into their own shell and will be embarrassed to tell anyone about their fears because they are convinced that other children will make fun of them and consider them dirty. This might result in their becoming introverts and housebound since they are comfortable only in places they are familiar.
Several strategies have been employed in treating this problem and it has resulted in some positive results. The two well-known strategies are the cognitive behavioral and hypnosis therapies. Each of them could be useful and it is worthwhile to test them out. One of the most critical things is to look for the appropriate therapist. However, the effectiveness of both of them varies from child to child.
It is a good idea to keep your child busy and active. This is very helpful because keeping occupied ensures that the mind does not wander to the usual things and also helps them to focus. The children can also be encouraged to practice deep breathing and join yoga classes that are specially designed for them.
Children can be helped to overcome their fear of vomiting with proper and effective techniques and treatment.It is important to remember that it is possible to treat emetophobia naturally and effectively.