This page was updated on: Sunday, 30 March 2008

 

 

There is an article about emetophobia in the April 2008 edition of 'Scottish Health News'.  Read it at: http://www.scottishhealthnews.com/pdfs/shn_april08.pdf.

A letter from Dr David Veale has been added - to read, please click HERE

 

(click on the book image to read a press release)

Living with Emetophobia, by Nicolette Heaton-Harris (with the foreword by myself) has now been published. 

It is a highly readable book based largely on the experiences of the author, my own research as presented on this website and others' experiences along with some tips on coping with the phobia.   It doesn't include the ever-elusive miracle cure but it does provide lots of information and I would highly recommend it to all emetophobes.  Equally, I would recommend it to friends and family of sufferers because it will help non-sufferers understand why emets act in the way we do and, via fascinating insights into how our minds work, why we find certain situations very difficult to cope with.

The book is available from www.amazon.co.uk, www.play.com and other good booksellers or direct from the publishers: http://www.jkp.com/new/9781843105367

The Panic Room

Last year I included an appeal by BBC Three for phobia sufferers to contact the programme to confront their fears and undergo a 3-day treatment programme.  Some emetophobia sufferers did so and on 8th May 2007 the treatment of one sufferer was shown on the programme. 

It wasn't pleasant to watch at times although the vomiting scenes features did appear to be simulated.  However, at the end of the programme, the ex-sufferer stated the treatment had 'turned her life around'.  (Whether the treatment has provided a long-term 'cure' is unknown.)

We have obtained a copy of the programme on DVD recorded by a former Gut Reaction member.

Emetophobia Survey

A student at Queens University, Belfast is currently conducting research for a thesis desitned to investigate a possible link between emetophobia, disgust sensitivity and social phobia.

If you would like to help, please complete the questionnaire which can be downloaded from www.gut-reaction.freeserve.co.uk/emetquestionnaire.doc

or

www.gut-reaction.freeserve.co.uk/emetquestionnaire.pdf

and return it to: smcallister14@Queens-Belfast.AC.UK

Thank You!

Online Forum!

An online Forum has been set up for emetophobia sufferers to share experiences, tips and offer mutual support.

Note to earlier forum users:  This a replacement for the earlier forum at: http://gutreaction.freeforumhost.com which worked well for a while until the server experienced problems.  The messages can still be read by entering the forum, clicking on 'Emetophobia Discussion Forum' but it has become unreliable.  The replacement forum is now located at:

 http://gutreaction.myfreeforum.org

 

Please click here to enter the new forum 

The Psychopathology of Vomit Phobia

At last, Dr David Veale's research has concluded and been published.  At the time the research was undertaken, Gut Reaction was promised a copy of the findings (not necessarily the full report) and this has been requested from Dr David Veale on Monday 7th August.  Dr Veale responded favourably but the copyright issues need to be considered by the publisher. 

11 September 2006:  A copy of the findings has been kindly forwarded by Dr Veale together with a donation towards Gut Reaction's funds and I would like to publicly thank Dr Veale for this on behalf of everyone who reads this site. 

I have included a very brief summary of findings HERE

Complete copies of "The Psychopathology of Vomit Phobia" may be purchased online from the publisher via this link:  http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayIssue?jid=BCP&volumeId=34&issueId=02  

Travel Sickness Relief Band

This isn't cheap but for anyone worried about travel sickness, possibly this could be the answer.  It's advertised on a reputable sailing site and I've read recommendations and testimonials in the sailing press and on other sites.  Unlike the standard wrist bands, this emits gentle electrical signals that interfere with the nerve activity that cause nausea. This simulation blocks nausea/vomiting messages between the brain and stomach. Five power levels promise to assure the right amount of stimulation.

If anyone takes the plunge and invests, please give your feedback on whether it works for you....

http://www.sailgb.com/p/sea_sickness_travel_sickness_relief_band_47050/

Gut Reaction's Online Guestbook

A big THANK YOU to everyone who's added comments to the online guestbook.  

I'm pleased to see just how many people are using this facility and note that there are some 'clusters' of emetophobes in certain areas.  I hope it will be possible for some of you to perhaps make contact with each other to offer support and friendship - or possibly even meet up, particularly as it's not always easy to share your fears with close friends and family.  

Let's hope that, one day, a cure for this most unpleasant phobia will be found and that, eventually, we will be free to live our lives fully.

Linda Dean, 7 October 2005

The Gut Reaction CD is now available worldwide in PDF format to ensure compatibility with your personal computer or Mac, and can be bought online using your credit or debit card.  

Please click HERE for ordering details.