Phagophobia, or fear of swallowing, is a common but underreported condition that causes anxiety when eating or taking oral medications. It is often misdiagnosed as an eating disorder, and sufferers may be underweight and malnourished. The fear is often rooted in a traumatic incident, and can be managed with physical and psychological therapy, medication, and self-help techniques. Simple props, such as water, can also be helpful, but consultation with a professional is recommended for severe cases.
Phagophobia, or fear of swallowing, causes sufferers to feel acutely anxious when they eat or take oral medications. Experts say cases related to fear of swallowing have been underreported. Many people are reluctant to discuss their phobia due to shame or embarrassment and are surprised to learn that phagophobia is relatively common. Often, the signs of phagophobia are misinterpreted and the fear is misdiagnosed as an eating disorder.
People with phagophobia have difficulty eating and are often reluctant to eat, especially in public. Depending on the severity of the fear, patients might show typical signs of acute anxiety such as an elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, dry mouth, or nausea when attempting to eat. Severe cases can cause gagging and vomiting, a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy that continues to fuel the phobia.
Phagophobics are likely to be underweight and malnourished. Many confuse the fear of swallowing with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. Family, friends and even sufferers may believe that an eating disorder is responsible. Phagophobics, however, do not suffer from the distorted anorexic body image and do not choose to undereat. In these cases, malnutrition is the result of fear, not design.
Often, a traumatic incident is responsible for the fear of swallowing. Sufferers can often trace their anxieties back to a single event, often a case of choking or vomiting. Many of these events occur in childhood, although adult experiences and traumas can also trigger a fear of swallowing. The fear of swallowing is usually rooted in the fear of repeating this incident.
People who are more anxious by nature are more vulnerable to phobias such as phagophobia. Fear of swallowing can also arise from cases of childhood abuse and intimidation. Force-feeding or parental anxiety about eating problems can also contribute to this phobia.
Fears like phagophobia can be managed, treated, and in some cases even cured. Without a correct diagnosis, however, treatment cannot begin and the condition is unlikely to improve. Individuals experiencing these or similar symptoms should see a doctor to identify the condition and get the best treatment advice.
Physical therapy, psychological therapy, and medications might be used to help treat phagophobia. Some sufferers find success with self-help exercises to reduce anxiety to manageable levels with meals. Breathing and visualization techniques can help calm these individuals.
Even simple props can be useful. For example, water can be used to wash food. With this help in place, the individual may experience reduced levels of anxiety and in some cases be able to eat without incident. In some cases, however, the aid becomes a crutch and the sufferer may become overly dependent on it. Consultation with a professional is recommended for anyone dealing with a severe phobia.
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