QUESTIONNAIRE

[EstherB]

Hi Everyone


I haven't posted on the site for a while - have been a member for a few years now, and the site really helped me through a bad time with emet. i've been doing a lot better for the last year or so now, as those who know me here will remember. I do come and check in regularly though, to see how you're all doing. It's great to see that new members are finding the site all the time, and benefitting from the support and advice!


I am currently writing an article on Emetophobia to try to raise awareness of the condition amongst GPs - I will be sending it out to GPs in my area, and also to heakth magazines for possible publication.For this, I would be really grateful if you could reply to this post with answers to the following questions. Don't worry, nobody will be mentioned by name without my asking their permission beforehand. Thanks!


QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE


2. SEX


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!

[~hippy clown~]

Welcome back Esther! I think an article is a great idea, we really need to raise awareness. So okey dokey, I'll do your questionnaire.


QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE: 13


2. SEX: F


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR:

1. <LI>Panic atttacks</LI>
   <LI>Irrational or strangebehaviour</LI>
   <LI>Reluctance to go to unfamiliar places</LI>
   <LI>Constantly questioning people if they feel ill</LI>

4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.

1. <LI>Avoiding unfamiliar places</LI>
   <LI>Not eating foods I haven't tried before</LI>
   <LI>Not going to social events</LI>

5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA: Yes


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS: Well my mum did it, not me, to see if there was anyone who specialized in phobia's. There was and I went to see her.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED': I went to see the lady mentioned above about once every two weeks and we talked about stuff mainly. 3 out of 10. I alsodid some exposure therapy with photo's and I can pretty much look at any picture of v* now.8 out of 10.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED': None


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE): B


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED: One day! but 5 years before that.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA: My immediate family and one friend.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA: I feel a bit embarrased about telling people because you can't understand unless you have iit and everyone's like "Nobody likes it" and then they think I'm over reacting.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS: IES


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS. Y

[crazybeautiful]

QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE: 19


2. SEX: F


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR:


1. Nausea


2. Panick attacks


3. OCD


4. Weird behavior (hand washing, avoiding certain things/places)


5. Fear of food poisoning


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


1. Check expiration dates, take gravol, avoid sick people, have panick attacks when people are sick around me, avoid eating in restaurants (if I have to, I order "safe foods")


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA: Yes


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS: Well she had no idea what Emetophobia was. I printed out some info for her to read, and told her about it. She refered me to some councillers.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED': I went to several different people. One woman once because I didn't like her. Another woman for about a year, but nothing we did helped. Another woman for maybe a couple months and it actually helped alot. We did exposure therapy and I felt better after, even started to get over it. Re-lapsed just recently. I'm not currently seeing anyone for this phobia.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED': N/A


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE): A combination of A and B.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED: When I was about 9. So 10 years. But since then I have felt sick to my stomac, but never vomitted. *knock on wood*


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA: My Mom, Dad, Brother, a couple of my extended family members, my best friend (very supportive) and a couple other friends, but they don't understand and even go as far as to make fun of the fear. [img]smileys/smilies_06.gif[/img]


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA: Yes. I am emberassed. A good example yesturday, my neighbor called me to babysit her sick child while she went to get him medicine and I couldn't bring myself to go. I couldn't do it. I feel emberassed when I tell my friends it's a serious phobia and they don't take me seriously.


<

[missgoddess]

1. AGE 18


2. SEX f


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


1.panic attacts


2.social anxiety (linked strongly to the emet)


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


1. not doing fun stuff e.g. going to nightclubs, fairs because the excitement makes me feel anxious and therefore sick


2.sit on aisle seats at the cinema or theatre


3.always check people around me do not look ill


4.pinching skin when i start to panic


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


yes he has put me in touch with a therapist


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS


i cried but he was really nice and made me feel better and told me he hated sick too...he told me it wasnt anything to do with me or my confidence or intelligence and that irrational fears are nothing to be ashamed of


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


i havent started therapy yet...exposure therapy was ok but i am 'ok' with pictures anyway its videos i dont like so 6/10


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


A and partly D to a lesser extent


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


in the winter from the flu but being ill through illness doesnt affect me if i turn off the lights...its just a fear of being ill somewhere away from a toliet or from nerves that affects me


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


until recently just 1 properly knew but now most people know


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


i dont like telling people face to face but once they knwo i can discuss it in detail


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


IES, my partner and my mate chris


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


YUP!!!


THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!


let us know how u get on!!

[lizard79]

1. AGE 25


2. SEX female


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


avoidance


paranoia


anxiety


panic attacks


ritualistic behavior


nausea


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


I check expiration dates, avoid eating in restaurants, avoid people who are sick, can't do stuff as freely as i would like since i am constantly worried that i will become ill.


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


yes


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


all doctors i have spoken to about this think i am crazy and do not seem to want to help me.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


CBT 3


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Prozac can i give that a negative 2389472389578278750274325?


Buspar that was even less useful than the prozac


this is due to the HORRIFYING side effects


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


F. i think my phobia is related to a naturally strong stomach, meaning i haven't vomited much and i don't know enough to feel comfortable with it and my desire to have complete control over everything.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


three months. but before that it was about 17 years


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


a few, not sure the number... everyone that i deal with on a regular basis


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


yes


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


my boyfriend and myself


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


you sure can

[2jo2]

QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE 29


2. SEX F


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


irrational fear of any sickness, being fearful of food, panic attacks, obsessive hand washing, obsessive thoughts about vomiting, memories about vomiting, fear of public places, fear of germs, fear of large groups


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


scanning a crowd for sick looking people, avoiding people who are or have been sick, not touching places in public with bare hands, not using public restrooms, and flushing toilet with my feet if I have to use one, overcooking meat, not going out to eat, not wanting to visit other people's houses or have people over at my house, washing my hands many times per day, using purell in between hand washings, quizzing people about how they feel


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


I have not spoken to a medical doctor about my phobia.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


I am currently trying desensitization with my therapist and it's too early to know if it's helpful. I have tried simple relaxation techniques (breathing) that didn't help at all when in an emetophobic situation.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Was on Effexor (anti-depressant) - I'll give that a 5, it brought me out of a depression but gave me horrible side effects.


I've taken Ativan for anxiety - I'll give that a 7, it works well to calmyou down.


I'm currently on Celexa (anti-depressant) - I'll give it a 4.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


I don't know any reason I have this.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


I don't know exactly, at least 17 years.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


My husband and my mom.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


I have a lot of shame from this phobia. I've been married for 5 years and just told my husband 2 months ago because I was ashamed.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


The emetophobia website, my husband and my therapist.


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


That would be fine with me.

[party_boi3423]

QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE: 14


2. SEX: Male


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR..


Panic Attacks, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Sociophobia (Fear of embarassment/socializing)





4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


Checking expiration dates, Checking meats and if they are properly cooked, looking out for vomit patches on the floor


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


Yes, a year and a half ago. since then i have had therapy.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


I have benefitted thoroughly from my therapy. I feel myself more confident and able to socialize more which my emetophobia was holding me back from doing. I feel confident watching TV which shows explicit scenes of vomiting in. I am able to be round my cat when it gets sick and I always used to be scared to go to school in case i was ill or someone else was ill and I have received an award this year for 100% Attendance (Geeky but a sign!)


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Exposure therapy (Viewing pictures and films of v*), NAT (Negative automatic thoughts) i have been tackling these strongly. Before I started therapy I was 10/10 with my phobia, thanks to these it is probably 5/10.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Not applicable.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


Some else vomiting near, around and (oh yes!) on me.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


6-7 years


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA


My parents and sister, My grandparents, a few friends at school.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


I always feeled ashamed of my phobia to some extent but generally people are comfortable with it.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


Therapy and family. Confrontation of emetophobia


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


Yes

[kmarie]

1. AGE 20 (almost 21)


2. SEX Female


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


Panic Attacks


OCD Tendencies


Avoidence of public places/ transporation


Nausea


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


Avoid public restrooms but when I HAVE to I rush and always flush with my feet.


Wont eat anything that has "expired"


Wont eat out that often


Carry pepto with me at all times as well as some form of mint


Have plans of where to go if I have to do the deed away from home


Avoid having sex with husband for fear of getting pregnant (ie morning sickness)


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKENTO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


Yes


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


She didnt really say anything but looed rather puzzled


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Therapy with a psycologist - 3 (i only went for about 2 months before I lost my insurance because my husband got a new job.)


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


NONE


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


A/B


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


3 maybe 4 Years


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


Husband


Mother &amp; Father


Cousin and Best friend


I have told a few other people but no one really realizes how bad it is except those listed above.





12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


[b] Of

[Babydoll]

QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE -- 21


2. SEX --F


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


1. stomach pains


2. tension headaches


3.trouble sleeping


4.being sick from worry


5.constantly thinking Vomiting is the worst thing that could ever happen to you.





4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


1. checking food over and over to make sure its cooked, and expiration dates


2.asking question after question if someone is sick


3. always looking for the nearest exit when out in public for a possible "escape"


4. turning off the sink handles with a paper towel ( I think this is good hygine anyways)





5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


yes I have, a few times.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


she first sent me to a natrapath ( sp) and that didnt really help me much. then we found a doctor ( councillor) but it was my own fault bceause I did not stay with the program because i don't think she really understands me and its so much work.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


see above.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


I haven't taken any.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


my phobia comes a little from B, because my mom would go on like a crazy person when she vomited and i was a little kid, making me think it was the worst thing in the world, and its scarey to for a little girl to see her mom in so much pain. I think it stuck with me. My mom wasn't phobic, but she hated Vomiting. and I also pick E, since my mom suffered from a related illness, OCD.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


I can't even remember the last time. Im 21 now, its been at least 10 years if not more.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


I would say my mom, dad, boyfriend, and a few friends. about 5 to 7 overall.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


only if i was having a panic attack in a public place. other than that, no.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


I would say my family, and myself.


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WI

[SimplyMe]

Hey! Welcome back! Great idea making this article! Good luck!








1. AGE 25


2. SEX Female


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR... Panic Attacks and all of their symptoms, nausea, avoidance, irrational thought and beleifs, other phobias that may be considered soemhow linked to vomiting.


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES. turn bathroom lights out w/ elbow, overly cautious in public restrooms, expiration dates (even when I checked just the day before) avoidance of sick people, places people may be sick, overly strict kitchen and bathroom hygeine and cleansing especially when raw meat is involved, over analyzing what I eat, where it's from and if I or someone I know has eaten at a certain place.


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA. Since moving I dont' have one but I have mentioned it to dentists and doctors where I used to live.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS. It's usually just "oh OK" but I have gotten funny looks or "it won't kill you" and those are the doctors I dont' return to lol obviously.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'. I have a therapist for nearly 2 years now and she has helped w/ the anxiety adn being rational I'd say about a 7. as far as emet goes I think I still feel pretty much the same about it. so 2 maybe?


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'. I tried Zoloft, took it once and felt horrible, never took it again I'd rate it a 0 lol.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE). F, I am not sure what reason. I think it may be partially control issues, partially lack of exposure to it and partially having the predisposition to have anxiety and phobias.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED. Almost 16 years.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA. Roughly about a dozen?


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA. More like I will be misunderstood I think rather than shame or embarrassment.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS I'd say a combination of my Mom and this site and my therapist.


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS. Sure.

[siafi]

QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE


17


2. SEX


Female


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


Panic attacks, avoiding certain situations, depression.


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


1. Avoiding risky v* situations (i.e. parties with alcohol, amusment parks, sick people...)


2. Agoraphobia


3. Being very careful about germs - lots of hand washing, foot toilet flushing


4. Anger at sick people


5. Lots and lots of panic attacks - I squeeze my neck when they come.


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


I'm assuming GP is a psychologist or counselor, so yes.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


He seemed to be skeptical of my phobia and acted as though he had never heard of it.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Visiting a psychiatrist - 4


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


None


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


B


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


Probably around 3 years.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


My parents and two friends.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


Yes, I do feel embarrassment because emetophobia is not something that many people know about and can't fully understand unless they suffer from it as well. It seems like a character weakness at times, so its hard to admit to people.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


IES


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


I would love it - email is best.

[EstherB]

Thanks so much to those of you who have already filled in this questionnaire - the more information I can gather from actual aufferers, the more impact the article will have, which should hopefully end up benefitting all of us. So many thanks! To other members - please do take a few minutes to fill in the questionnaire if you feel able to do so. Thanks for your help.


Esther xox

[sweetfreak]

QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE 33


2. SEX F


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


1. Nausea


2. Panic attacks


3. General anxiety


4. Constantly picking on my skin








4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES. I avoid eating out, have a hard time getting out at all for fear I will be sick in public, I have difficulty swallowing when eating because my throat closes up. I can't even sit at a table. I feel "safer" on the couch when I eat. I have a spot on my skin that I have picked to death and it looks horrible. I do this to distract myself from my fear of nausea and v*. If someone else is sick, I can't be near them at any cost.


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


Yes, I have.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


He wasn't mean or anything, but I don't know if he quite understood how bad it is.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


I just started with a therapist I like now. I don't think I am qualified to rate anyone. I went to a few others before and I didn't like their approach. They seemed to think there is a set of "rules" to cure this phobia. I think each person is different. So far, my current therapist is a 10 because he understands this.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Too scared to take any. They might cause nausea and make me feel weird.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


B Someone else vomiting near/around me in childhood.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


I don't know, I think about 7 years or so?


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


My immediate family knows, and one close friend.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


YES! YES! and YES!


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


So far, this website.


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


Sure, you are welcome to. Info to contact me is on this site or you can correspond with me using Yahoo IM. ID is mistyeyes102.


THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!

[Jenneh]

Welcome to our family i'd be happy to do ur questionnaire.


QUESTIONNAIRE


1. AGE -- 16


2. SEX -- Female


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


1.) OCD tendencies


2.) Panic attacks


3.) Nausea


4.) feeling lost and alone


5.)if not housebound, close to it.


6.) avoidance of particular things i.e. travelling or a certain shirt if u lasted v*ed in it e.t.c.


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


1.) avoiding going out as much as possible


2.) avoiding eating any foreign foods or food i havent tried before.


3.) avoiding eating food with any strong flavour or colour


4.) going near anyone with even just a slight cold


5.) over-eating or under-eating


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA. -- Yes.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS. -- Well, i had to explain to her what it was to begin with, she of course had never heard of it before. but, after that, she referred me to a psychiatrist who referred me to a social worker. the whole experience if talkin to the GP was incredibly daunting and i felt like she thought i was making it up.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Exposure Therapy -- at Home -- rated at 2.


"speaking therapy" with social worker -- atm, rated about 6.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


Citalopram - the anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drug (apparently) has helped me with depression, a lot, would give it a 10. helped with anxiety... about 2.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


C -- physical and emotional abuse at home.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


about 6 years.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


my direct family know, i.e. mother/father/sister. and my teachers at school, well 2 of them.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


yes. total humiliation as to everyone else, v* is such a Stupid thing to be scared of. feel shame that i feel so weak inside because of the phobia.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


social worker.


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


yes, i think so, as long as my name isnt used, because of obvious reasons, would rather my parents didnt find out.


that was fun, thankyou, lol.


Jen xxxxxxxxxxx

[rachel_81]

QUESTIONNAIRE



1. AGE - 23</font>





2. SEX - female</font>





3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA
ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...

Panic attacks, OCD (handwashing in particular) nausea.</font>





4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE
THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR
EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING
PUBLIC PLACES.

Picking 'dirty' items up with feet,
cleaning items with anti bacterial wipes, eating lots of antacid
tablets, asking others about stomach regularly.</font>





5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.

Yes.</font>





6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.

It was hard to do but i have been referred to psychologists twice.</font>





7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE'
EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY
RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS
'CURED'.

My experience with a child psychologist
at 15 yrs helped on to around a 7. CBT with adult therapist was
extremely unhelpful and traumatic 1.</font>





8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU
HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU
ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.

Seroxat - 5

beta blockers (propranonol) 8</font>





9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM
THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B -
SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY
KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS,
F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).

A</font>





10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.

Thirteen years in august.</font>





11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.

around 8.</font>





12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.

I used to but now i am able to explain it in a way in which others can help me to deal with it.</font>





13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS

My fiance and my parents</font>





14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND
WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE
DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE
PUBLICATIONS.

That would be fine, hope i have been of some help.</font>





THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!

[Louise]

1. AGE 15


2. SEX - yes please? haha urm... female


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR... Feeling like you are gonna be sick 24/7, doing everything to avoid being sick (such as not drinkoing, washing hands) and i dont get panick attacks that often.


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.
<UL>
<LI>Avoid travelling far in cars/trains/buses etc.</LI>
<LI>washign hands to get rid of any germs</LI>
<LI>automatically checking food for best before dates, and still checkign to food to see if it looks OK</LI>
<LI>Don't get drunk</LI>
<LI>avoid watching ppl being sick on TV</LI>
<LI>avoiding ppl who feel sick</LI>
<LI>Chewing minty gum constantly, and mints!</LI>[/list]


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA. Nope, i doubt they can do anything, i need to handle this on my own,


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'. None, as i said in the above post


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'. None, i just chew chewing gum! lol


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD,


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


8 months


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA. just on best friend


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA. Not at all.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS. This site, it has helped me loads!


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS. Yeh sure, but i don't have much of a story to give!

[skon]

1. AGE20


2. SEX male


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


Fear of disease, panic attacks, social anxiety, psychosomatic nausea and dizziness,general anxiety.


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


-I cannot be a passenger anymore.&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;&nbs p;


-I will not eat many things, or try new things.


-excessive food safety and cleanliness


-avoiding some normal activities in public


-Extreme concern for health. I constantly use and seek out different tonics and herbs to keep healthy.


-I take antihistamines frequently, for prevention of vomiting/dizziness as well as sedation to get rid of anxiety.





5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


I do not have a "GP". I imagine I would tell a doctor about it, if I ever visited a doctor for anything.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


NLP-this gets worse than the lowest score possible; it was a load of crap and did not work.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


F- I'm not quite sure why. It is not any of those though. I think I just went so long without doing it and did not get accustomed to it. I had not vomited since I was 11 years old, and it didn't bother me much. After 9 years I then had some bad food poisoning and it was horrible, and it was the first time in a very longtime that I had vomited. After that I was never the same.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


one year and 4 months.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


most of them.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


no.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS


I don't recieve much support.


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.


sure.

[rock_on]

1. AGE
19</font>

2. SEX
Female</font>

3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF
EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC
BEHAVIOUR...
Panic attacks, pickiness when eating, nausea, extreme fear
when sick, fear of alcohol and children.</font>

4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA
-IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY
BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING
EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.
Checking expiration dates, checking body temperature
often, not using public bathrooms, avoiding long trips, not drinking any
alcohol, staying away from sick people, or anyone who even feels sick,
insomnia, washing all fruit before eating.</font>

5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT
EMETOPHOBIA.
Is that a doctor? If so, yes. </font>

6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.
He gave me a prescription for my anxiety and said that it
could help me deal with the phobia in time.</font>

7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE'
EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR
YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY
UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.
Haven't used any therapies.</font>

8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS
YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY
WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY
UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.
Paxil. Just started taking it, so I don't know for sure yet.
</font>

9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA
FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF
VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN
CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E -
OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).
I've always been kind of afraid of doing it. But I think it
mostly comes from a bad childhood experience. I remember I was sick
when I was very young and I was throwing up and thought: this is it. This
is the end of the world.</font>

10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST
VOMITED.
Approx. 12-13 years.</font>

11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW
ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.
Parents, sisters, and best friend.</font>

12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE
TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.
It's embarrasing telling people why I'm the only one not
drinking at the party, or why I have to leave the room when someone says
they don't feel good. Mostly I feel upset that I have to deal with the fear in
the first place</font>

13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR
EMETOPHOBIA IS
IES message board</font>

14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO
CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF
EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS
ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.
Sure, hope I can help!</font>Edited by: rock_on

[EstherB]

this is great guys - thanks again for taking the time to complete this for me. however, it would be great to get some more replies as the more people surveyed the more convincing the statistics become. sorry to keep moving this to the top of the posts list but could really do with some more info from you.


thanks, esther xx

[Eternity]

1. AGE: 20


2. SEX: F


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR:


Its different for different people, so any or all of those, plus the following...


Obsessive questioning and/or avoiding anyone who apears sick, Obsessive self assesment (am I ill, could I be gettin ill) OCDs, ghost stomach pain, issues with social interaction, problems with social situations/ situs involving feelings of being 'trapped' eg supermarket queues/ classes.Fascination with vomit (needing to 'see' if someone says there is some!) Picky eating n obsessive hygene. Dependance on coping mechs eg mints to stop nausea. Unwillingness to travel far from 'safe' places. need to know where bathrooms/exits are... thats all I can think of for now


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


Checkin expirations, yea. Avoiding trapping places. I quit uni, n I cant work till I get back up to a better level of normality. Avoid planning things, avoid public transport, obsess over everyone elses illness! Careful not to get too drunk, always know where the nearest bathroom is, obsess over any stomach pain/nausea.


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA: Nope.


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS:


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED':


I read a book that said I should list ne anxiety provoking events in the last nine months before my first panic attack, n rate them for importance n say how they made me feel, n do things to resolve any that still arent. Most of them were long dead n gone so it didnt help much. Interestin tho. 2/10.


Exposure therapy- 2 kinds- Doing things that scared me- basically I live as normally as I possibly can so Im forced into 'trapping' situs in order to have a life. The more I do it the better it gets, bearing in mind Ive only been this badly emet for a few months- since my illness, Im recovering fast in terms of what I can do without major anxiety, but it does not resolve the fear. 6/10


Other kind was a exposure therapy site- where ya can get pics n sounds of people being sick. When I logged onto it I was shaking n heart racing, but as soon as the first picture came up I was able to look at them quite happily, its more the smell that gets me I think, I was suprised I was anxious about seeing the pics beforehand tho- I guess its fear of the unknown that gets us a lot. Not really helpful, but I learnt something. 3/10.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED' None.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON

[EstherB]

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON THIS, ESTHER

[HDogg]

1. AGE 24


2. SEX female


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...panic attacks, obsession and compulsions, paranoia, agoraphobia


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.compulsively washing my hands, avoiding amusement parks, restaurants, stadiums, public restrooms (unless absolutely necessary), sanitizing everything, check expiration dates often


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.Not really, but when I had surgery, I told the anesthesiologist


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.He was pretty understanding. A lot of people don't like getting sick after surgery.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'. Cognitive Behavioral- pretty useless. Didn't help me at all.


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.I was on Zoloft for a year. I'd give it a 4--it stopped helping after awhile. Effexor didn't help very much either--3


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).My mother is an emet and her influence ruined my chances for a normal life. Also, I'm a control freak


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.16 1/2 years


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.my mom, sister, husband, and his parents


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.I don't like to broadcast it or anything, but if I'm having a panic attack in front of someone, I will tell them about my phobia. I'm too panicky to care at that point.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS My mom (she understands completely), my husband, and this site


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS.okay

[Melikasa]

1. AGE 25


2. SEX F


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR...


Flushed, sweaty, trembling, chest pain, heavy breathing, hard swallowing, jittery, can't talk or move in some cases, loose bowels.Panick and anxiety when near places where people might be sick. FEAR or being sick. Cleaning and using antibacterial cleaners and soaps. Throwing out food that MIGHT make someone sick. Javexing everything that has come into contact with raw meat (including hands) Ritualistic behavior when feeling anxious or nervous like biting lip, cleaning under fingernails, etc. Avoidance of placs with a lot of children.


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES.


Flush toilets with my feet, open door with my hands coveredwith sleeve or towellete, check expiration dates on everything, avoided public places (malls, grocery stores, large areas that I couldn't get out of quickly, Pin pointing exits and bathrooms everywhere I go, clear pathway to the bathroom of my home (including a night light) staying away from alcohol and parties where there will be excesive drinking,


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA.


No. Haven't been back to him since I found out the name of the condition


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.
<UL>
<LI>Self studies through reading. 4
<LI>talking about it with other people on line 4
<LI>self talk (I am in control, this is just in my mind) 6
<LI>distraction (music, reading, puzzles, walks) 4</LI>[/list]


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'.


On Celexa but it was prescribed for agoraphobia and anxiety but it has been helping the Emet 8


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE).


I don't know I have had this for LONG time since I was a toddler I believe it was from a vomiting experience though. Once when I was about 18 months old I freaked out and from that point on "I" was a fraid to be sick and afraid to be close to anyone that might give me something where I could be sick


At age 9 I got sick at my sisters house (LONG way from home) and I realized that I could be sick away from home. From that point on I was afraid to be far from home and afraid that I would embarrace myself.


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED.


Not sure if I can count this one. It was Jan 12, 2003. It was because I was in labour and about to give birth. Stopping myself was the last thing on my mind. Since then it has been about 14 years.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


my husband and my mom, my sister (kind of She is more informed about my agoraphobia)


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA.


[b]Yes I am, not as bad as I use to be but there isn't anyone that I feel

[ebony_b]

Doing this might help me get my head around it and highlight my exact feelings.


1. AGE 22


2. SEX F


3. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU THINK THE SYMPTOMS OF EMETOPHOBIA ARE, FOR EXAMPLE NAUSEA, PANIC ATTACKS, RITUALISTIC BEHAVIOUR... Panic attacks, avoiding obvious places (Pubs, cinemas, coach trips, boats, planes etc) having a 'hightened awareness' of your body everyone/thing around you, 'want to get out now' attitude.


4. PLEASE GIVE A LIST OF WHAT YOU DO AS A RESULT OF EMETOPHOBIA -IE THE AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY BEHAVIOURS. FOR EXAMPLE, FLUSHING TOILET WITH FEET, CHECKING EXPIRATION DATES, AVOIDING PUBLIC PLACES. Eating meat less everyday, avoid excesses of alcohol or people drinking in excess, vetting any film before going to the cinema, avoiding ill people, no going to hospitals for whatever reason, hovering finger over TV remote during most programmes, isolation from other people in general, highened awareness of body and self.


5. PLEASE INDICATE IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO YOUR GP ABOUT EMETOPHOBIA. No - what is the point - I'll just get sent to see another psychiatrist (sp?)


6. IF YES, PLEASE BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF DOING THIS.


7. PLEASE LIST ANY THERAPIES YOU HAVE USED TO TRY TO 'CURE' EMETOPHOBIA, AND INDICATE HOW EFFECTIVE EACH THERAPY WAS FOR YOU BY RATING IT ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'. Hypnotherapy &amp;EMDR by 3 different people costing a tonne and its not worked a bit. 0/10 (Having a panic attack whilst under hypno is not nice)


8. PLEASE LIST ANY ANTI-DEPRESSANT OR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS YOU HAVE TAKEN FOR EMETOPHOBIA AND INDICATE HOW HELPFUL THEY WERE FOR YOU ON A SCALE OF 1-10, WHERE 1 IS COMPLETELY UNHELPFUL AND 10 IS 'CURED'. Took beta blockers for 1/2 year to try and stop panic attacks. Came off them myself with help from other 1/2.


9. PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE EMETOPHOBIA FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST: A - TRAUMATIC CHILDHOOD EPISODE OF VOMITING B - SOMEONE ELSE VOMITING NEAR/ON/AROUND YOU IN CHILDHOOD, C - ABUSE OF ANY KIND, D - EMETOPHOBIA IN PARENTS, E - OTHER MENTAL ILLNESS IN PARENTS, F - OTHER (PLEASE STATE). A - unessecary hospital trip - remeber like it was yesterday - I was only 4!


10. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MUCH TIME HAS PASSED SINCE YOU LAST VOMITED. March 2000 - over 4 years now - then not since I was 8 previous to that dredful day.


11. PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS/RELATIVES KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMETOPHOBIA. They are all in the knowledge that there is something wrong with me - but only my other 1/2 truely understands.


12. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU FEEL EMBARASSMENT/SHAME DUE TO YOUR EMETOPHOBIA. No - its just annoying coz it stops me from doing things that I used to like doing and really should be doing.


13. PLEASE INDICATE WHAT YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR EMETOPHOBIA IS - My other 1/2 and recently this site.


14. PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU WOULD BE HAPPY FOR ME TO CORRESPOND WITH YOU PRIVATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR 'STORY OF EMETOPHOBIA' IN MORE DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO USING IT IN THIS ARTICLE OR FUTURE POSSIBLE PUBLICATIONS. I would rather not talk about it in too much detail as its quite traumatic for me. Please do use these comments till your hearts content - but no surnames please.