Emetophobia, the fear of throwing up/vomiting, is often missed or incorrectly diagnosed as something else like separation anxiety, panic disorder or an eating disorder. Following is a list of some common emetophobia symptoms that children may display because of this fear. It is unlikely that any child will have all of these but if your child has 10 or more then this particular fear could be the reason for your child’s anxiety. You can read more here.
My child…
1. is worried she/he might throw up
2. frequently asks if he or she is sick, might get sick and/or wants reassurance of not getting sick
3. avoids anyone or anyplace that could cause her/him to vomit
4. complains about not feeling well
5. wants a parent nearby and won’t go places (ex. field trip) if a parent isn’t nearby (in case of illness)
6. avoids and checks for things that might be contaminated, past the expiration date, look old, or unrefrigerated for too long (because it might lead to vomiting)
7. complains frequently of stomach aches/distress/nausea
8. isn’t eating enough and/or very picky because he/she is afraid of getting sick
9. avoids things that would be great for him/her to do because of this fear
10. avoids anyone who is or may be sick with the flu
11. avoids seeing anyone vomit on TV, film, pictures or in real life
12. avoids using words or talking about vomiting
13. seems to be scanning how her/his stomach feels all day long
14. will check on whether or not someone else is sick or getting sick
15. asks to take his or her temperature frequently
16. feels compelled to wash hands or shower if there was any contact with a sick person or something that might lead to nausea/vomiting.
17. avoids going or being in school if the flu is going around
18. avoids park rides, boats, car rides or other kinds of movement (dizzyness) because of fear of getting sick
19. is afraid of choking or gagging
20. is worried that getting hot and/or sweating will lead to being sick
21. will not or resists going to sleep by him/herself because they might get sick
22. seems nervous or tense most of the time
23. avoids places/situations that could lead to anxiety or where he/she was anxious previously
24. will feel sick if exposed to anything related to this fear
25. has trouble falling and/or staying asleep due to anxiety about getting sick
