Conquering Phagophobia: A Journey to Overcoming the Fear of Choking

Phagophobia is a rare and debilitating mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of choking solid food or liquids. Usually there is no underlying anatomical or physiological abnormalities. Choking phobia can lead to the avoidance of solid foods and liquids. This can give rise to other psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. Only few case reports of choking phobia are available in the literature. Here we present the case of a middle-aged man, with a 10-year history of fear of choking, starting after an aspiration episode and later maintained by a similar episode. The patient felt that food would be stuck in the windpipe, and he could not breathe while swallowing solid food and liquids. This eventually led to reduced eating and drinking causing significant weight loss. He also isolated himself and became depressed. After several searches for help in somatic healthcare, including surgery for deviated nasal septum, the patient was finally investigated in a psychiatric clinic and treated with pharmacological measures and behavioral therapy with considerable improvement within a few months. Choking phobia can mimic different physical conditions and is often misdiagnosed. Early recognition and timely referral to mental health professionals are vital for effective management.