Is a specific phobia of vomiting part of the obsessive compulsive and related disorders?

•Case review of individuals with a Specific Phobia of Vomiting (SPOV).•Frequent report of repetitive behaviors such as compulsive washing and checking.•These results have implications for the nosology and treatment of a SPOV.•Clinicians should assess repetitive behaviors when formulating a treatment plan.

AimsTo explore whether the phenomenology and co-morbidity of a specific phobia of vomiting (SPOV) (also known as “emetophobia”) might best fit within the group of obsessive compulsive and related disorders.MethodCase review of individuals who were assessed for a SPOV (n=83).ResultsSixty-two per-cent of cases reported being markedly or very severely preoccupied by the fear that they might vomit. A majority of people with a SPOV reported either often or always conducting repetitive behaviors such as compulsive washing; reassurance seeking; self-reassurance, counting or superstitious behaviors to prevent vomiting; checking others for signs of illness or checking sell-by dates. Cases that had more frequent hand washing were associated with higher scores on standardized questionnaires for a SPOV and a later age of onset. The diagnosis of OCD formed the highest degree of comorbidity.ConclusionsThe results have implications for future research into the nosology and treatment of a SPOV. Clinicians should assess for repetitive behaviors in a SPOV and include them in a formulation and treatment plan. Future research should conduct prospective studies to determine which aspects of the phenomenology of a SPOV might best fit under OC and related disorders.