Cibophobia is a mental disorder that causes a severe fear of food, different from anorexia or bulimia. Symptoms include obsessive checking of expiration dates, refusal to eat certain foods, and fear of contamination. Causes may include food poisoning or allergies. Treatment can involve therapy and medication.
Cibophobia is a medical term that describes a mental disorder that causes a severe and often disabling fear of food. This psychological condition should be differentiated from disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, which involve a fear of eating. Food allergies, body image issues, or an extreme concern about potential toxins can all contribute to the development of cibophobia. The most common symptoms of the disorder include obsessive checking of food expiration dates, refusal to consume meat or other animal products, or an aversion to perishable foods. Any specific questions or concerns about cibophobia in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
A person who has cibophobia is convinced that certain foods, if eaten, will cause serious bodily harm. Someone who typically avoids certain foods for religious or moral reasons may become violently ill after consuming such foods due to the severe psychological stress caused by consuming these forbidden foods. This same type of reaction can occur after consuming any food product deemed unsafe. Nausea, vomiting, and physical tremors can occur after eating among those with this particular ailment. Some people may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of extreme anxiety.
Some of the behaviors that may suggest that a person has cibophobia include an abnormal obsession with reading food labels or an adamant refusal to eat certain foods. The potential risk of contamination may prevent some patients from eating perishable foods such as mayonnaise or ice cream. There may be a fear that foods are not cooked completely or properly, causing the patient to refuse to eat anything cooked by others. Some with this condition may avoid all animal products due to fear of contamination. The obsessive need to constantly check expiration dates is also a common symptom of cibophobia.
The exact cause of the development of cibophobia is not always clearly understood, although there are some common factors that contribute to many people with this disorder. A previous experience of food poisoning can lead to an intense fear of possible contamination. Specific food allergies can cause you to fear hidden allergens in foods or develop a potentially life-threatening type of allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. A mental health professional such as a psychiatrist can help the patient find the right combination of therapy, self-help techniques, and sometimes medications to treat this disorder on an individual basis.
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