Cognitive behaviour therapy for specific phobia of vomiting (Emetophobia): A pilot randomized controlled trial.

This is the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate a protocol for cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for a Specific Phobia of Vomiting (SPOV) compared with a wait list and to use assessment scales that are specific for a SPOV.

METHOD: 24 participants (23 women and 1 man) were randomly allocated to either 12 sessions of CBT or a wait list.

RESULTS: At the end of the treatment, CBT was significantly more efficacious than the wait list with a large effect size (Cohen's d=1.53) on the Specific Phobia of Vomiting Inventory between the two groups after 12 sessions. Six (50%) of the participants receiving CBT achieved clinically significant change compared to 2 (16%) participants in the wait list group. Eight (58.3%) participants receiving CBT achieved reliable improvement compared to 2 (16%) participants in the wait list group.

CONCLUSIONS: A SPOV is a condition treatable by CBT but further developments are required to increase efficacy.