Deciphering the Ties between OCD and Emetophobia with CBT Therapy
Last updated October 21, 2025
Feeling anxious about getting sick is common. But if that fear takes over your life, it might be emetophobia or OCD. When emetophobia overlaps with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it can feel exhausting and confusing. The good news? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you take back control.
At Virtual CBT, we specialize in phobias and OCD. Learn more about ERP for OCD and CBT for phobias.
Book a free consultation and our Clinical Directors will match you with a therapist (*Must be resident of Ontario, Quebec or B.C.).
What Is Emetophobia?
Emetophobia is an intense fear of vomiting. It can include fears of either yourself or seeing someone else vomit. It’s not just “disgust.” It’s fear that can lead to avoidance behaviours like:
Avoiding certain foods or restaurants
Skipping social events where others might get sick
Checking body sensations for any sign of nausea
These behaviours may bring temporary relief, but they keep fear going in the long run (Veale & Lambrou, 2006).
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions). The compulsions are aimed at reducing anxiety (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). When OCD and emetophobia occur together, the person might obsess about contamination, illness, or losing control.
They may perform rituals like:
Excessive hand-washing
Checking expiry dates
Mentally repeating phrases to “prevent” vomiting
This overlap can make symptoms stronger and more complicated to treat.
Why OCD and Emetophobia Often Co-Exist
OCD and emetophobia both thrive on anxiety and avoidance. Someone might fear vomiting (emetophobia) and perform rituals to prevent it (OCD). The rituals feel like safety, but they reinforce the fear cycle.
Common overlaps include:
Fear of contamination from germs that cause illness
Avoidance of certain foods or textures
Compulsive reassurance seeking (“Do I look sick?”)
Why is Emetophobia and OCD so closely linked? (Source: Emetophobia-Free)
Similarities Between OCD and Emetophobia
Both involve anxiety-driven thoughts and behaviours.
Both can include avoidance and compulsive actions to manage fear or distress.
People with OCD may develop vomit-related obsessions, blurring the line between the two.
Both can include fear of contamination or illness (e.g., avoiding germs or “unsafe” foods).
Rituals or safety behaviours can appear in both. For example excessive cleaning, handwashing, or food checking.
Both conditions respond well to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Differences Between OCD and Emetophobia
Focus of Fear
OCD: The fear can center on many things — contamination, harm, symmetry, or losing control.
Emetophobia: The fear is specific — vomiting, feeling nauseous, or seeing someone vomit.
Nature of Thoughts
OCD: Thoughts are often intrusive and unwanted, coming from many possible themes.
Emetophobia: Thoughts are focused on bodily sensations and the possibility of getting sick.
Behavioural Patterns
OCD: Leads to rituals or compulsions (e.g., checking, washing, counting) to reduce anxiety.
Emetophobia: Leads to avoidance behaviours to prevent vomiting. For example, skipping meals, avoiding travel, or staying home.
Triggers
OCD: Triggers can be broad — anything linked to the person’s obsessions.
Emetophobia: Triggers are specific and related to vomit.
Goal of Behaviour
OCD: The goal is to neutralize or prevent a feared event with compulsive behaviours.
Emetophobia: The goal is to avoid or control situations that might lead to vomiting.
Underlying Fear
OCD: Often about uncertainty or loss of control in many areas of life.
Emetophobia: Specifically about losing control through vomiting or illness.
How CBT and ERP Help With OCD and Emetophobia
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for both OCD and emetophobia (Barlow, 2021).
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized form of CBT. It's about facing your fears in a gradual way without doing compulsions.
What Therapy Might Look Like
Assessment. You and your therapist explore how OCD and emetophobia show up in your life.
Education. You’ll learn how avoidance and rituals maintain anxiety.
Exposure Practice Together. you face triggers in small steps — like saying “vomit,” watching a short video clip, or eating foods you’ve avoided — while resisting rituals.
Cognitive Restructuring. You’ll challenge beliefs like “vomiting is unbearable” and replace them with realistic, balanced thoughts.
Skill Building. Learn calming techniques, mindfulness, and how to handle nausea sensations without panic.
Signs You Might Want Help for OCD or Emetophobia
Consider therapy if:
You avoid daily activities because of fear of vomiting
Your thoughts about sickness feel uncontrollable
You spend more than an hour a day worrying or doing rituals
You’ve stopped eating certain foods or going to certain places
If that sounds familiar, you don’t have to handle it alone. At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we specialize in CBT and ERP therapy for OCD. We also specialize in emetophobia. Our services are available to residents of Ontario, Quebec, and B.C.
Self-Help Tips You Can Try Today
While professional therapy is best, you can start reducing fear right now:
Label the fear: “This is anxiety, not danger.”
Practice tolerating mild nausea instead of avoiding it.
Reduce reassurance seeking — remind yourself that anxiety passes naturally.
Keep a journal of triggers and what helps you cope.
(Clark & Beck, 2012)
Book Recommendations for OCD and Emetophobia
Frequently Asked Questions
Can emetophobia go away completely?
With therapy, many people experience major relief or full recovery. Progress takes time and practice.
Is medication ever needed for OCD and emetophobia?
Sometimes. SSRIs can reduce anxiety intensity (Stein et al., 2021). Talk to your doctor about options.
How long does treatment take?
Many people see progress within 12–20 sessions of CBT/ERP, though it varies for each person.
Connect with a CBT or ERP Expert
You don’t need to face OCD and emetophobia alone. With Virtual CBT, it’s possible to rebuild your life around comfort, not fear. If you live in Ontario, Quebec, or British Columbia, our Clinical Directors can match you with a therapist who understands both OCD and phobias. You can choose to work with a registered social worker, clinical psychologist or registered psychotherapist.
Book your free consultation today to get started. Learn more about our therapy fees.
Written by Celissa Vipond, CBT Therapist
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).
Barlow, D. H. (2021). Clinical handbook of psychological disorders (6th ed.). Guilford Press.
Clark, D. A., & Beck, A. T. (2012). The anxiety and worry workbook: The cognitive behavioral solution.Guilford Press.
Stein, D. J., Costa, D. L. C., Lochner, C., et al. (2021). Obsessive–compulsive disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 7(1), 1–21.
Veale, D., & Lambrou, C. (2006). The psychopathology of vomit phobia. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 34(2), 139–150.
