Emetophobia or Specific Phobia of Vomiting (SPOV)

Emetophobia is the official name for a Specific Phobia of Vomiting (SPOV).  This is an anxiety disorder in which an individual has an overwhelming fear of vomiting whilst alone or in public.  They may also have a fear of witnessing others vomiting.  

Sufferers can experience a combination of the following: (i) Complete preoccupation with this fear; (ii) Panic; (iii) Fear of losing control; (iv) Fear of becoming very ill; (v) Fear that others will find them repulsive. As a result, people try too hard to avoid a wide range of situations or activities that they believe might increase the risk of vomiting. This can significantly interfere in a person's life and stop them from doing things that they would otherwise like to do.