Thank you for your comment.

While I cannot provide a diagnosis via email, the symptoms you describe are consistent with those of Emetophobia. It is quite common for individuals with Emetophobia to have restricted eating patterns, and to have certain situations in which they feel less significantly anxious about vomiting (i.e., with people who know of your fears).

From what you have written here, I cannot see how any doctor or mental health specialist would identify your problem as being anything other than Emetophobia. Unfortunately, most physicians and psychotherapists do not understand this condition, and it is often misdiagnosed. If at all possible, I suggest you find a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, as Emetophobia is very treatable using basic CBT.

I vomited four years back in a restaurant where I along with my friend was having dinner

After that I have constant fear of vomiting in places like restaurants(where I have to eat in front of friends), social gatherings(where there is arrangement of dinner etc.)

But when I eat outside along with my family members or other people who know my problem, then eating outside is quite ok and I can have food of my choice.

Sometimes before entering into the classroom I also feel the same. Due to the fear of throwing up I dont have breakfast when goin to college even then sometimes I feel like vomiting. Sometimes I vomitted in the college too.

And it is completely fine with me when I eat at home. At home I dont have any fear of throwing up.

I went to several doctors and they told me that I m suffering from anorexia nervosa, depression, social anxiety etc. and gave medicines that didnt work.

I want to know am I suffering from emetophobia??

Thank you for your comments. I am glad to hear that your daughter is getting CBT, The same principles that have helped with her emetophobia should be equally effective in helping her learn to manage her separation anxiety.

I am equally happy to hear about your “awakening” in response to your recent bout of stomach flu. As you learned, vomiting is not catastrophic, and in fact, you actually felt better afterwards. Most of the things we humans worry about are not nearly as awful as we think.

Thank you for your comment.

Your experience of having mild emetophobic symptoms that were exacerbated by a specific trigger (in this case, your daughter being sick) is quite common. Unfortunately, the behaviors you have been doing in response to your increased fears are almost guaranteed to worsen your symptoms.

Your avoidance of anything that you fear might make you vomit (or see others vomit) is a classic phobic behavior. While that may provide short-term relief, in the long term it reinforces your belief that vomiting is something you can’t handle. Additionally, you mention becoming an expert in noroviruses, which indicates that you have been researching the issue, which will only make things worse.

I encourage you to try therapy with someone who specializes in CBT for emetophobia. You will most likely see significant improvement in a very short period of time.

Thank you for your comments. I’m glad our article helped you identify your child’s Emetophobia. This is a condition that is too often overlooked or misdiagnosed by doctors and therapists. The good news is that Emetophobia is very treatable using CBT – there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you for your comment.

I’m sorry to hear that your daughter is experiencing difficulties. While I cannot provide a diagnosis via an online forum, I can say that the symptoms you describe suggest Emetophobia. The good news is that this is a rather recent development for her, and she will likely respond well to a brief course of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Your best bet is to find a therapist who specializes in CBT. While finding a good CBT therapist may be difficult, it will be well worth it. I suggest you go to http://www.adaa.org and http://www.ocfoundation.org. Both provide searchable databases of CBT therapists who specialize in treating anxiety disorders such as Emetophobia.

I am not sure which island you are on, but you will most likely need to travel to Oahu. If you are unable to find a CBT specialist and the problem worsens, you may need to visit the mainland for a few weeks with your daughter for a short course of intensive CBT.

I hope this helps.