Emetophobia appears to be the most common specific phobia that requires treatment

Emetophobia is a specific fear of vomiting. Although it is a relatively unknown anxiety disorder that has received limited attention in research, many psychotherapists are familiar with it because they frequently encounter persons with emetophobia in clinical practice. While animal-related phobias are the most common specific phobias in general, a recent study by Veale and colleagues (2025) suggests that, among persons seeking treatment for specific phobias, emetophobia appears to be the most prevalent. Furthermore, the study indicates that persons with emetophobia differ from those with other specific phobias (e.g. in terms of gender ratio or treatment setting). These findings dovetail with results from other recent studies suggesting that emetophobia may be a more impairing disorder and is, therefore, more likely to require treatment than other specific phobias.