Phagophobia is a rare disorder, so far research on this condition is still limited. Phagophobia can seriously affect the health and life of the sufferer. Therefore, it is necessary to intervene early to limit the risk of arising.
What is Phagophobia?
The fear of swallowing is also known as Phagophobia – derived from the Greek words where “phagein” means swallowing and “phobos” means fear. Phagophobia refers to the fear and avoidance of swallowing food, liquids, or drugs.
Phagophobia can present through a variety of symptoms, sometimes without any physical form. Someone with Phagophobia may avoid certain types or textures of food, chew food too thoroughly, or complain about food getting “stuck”.
Phagophobia is often confused with fear of choking (Pseudodysphagia). The main difference is that people with Phagophobia fear the act of “swallowing”, while those with Pseudodysphagia fear that the act of swallowing will lead to suffocation.
At some point, everyone has experienced the feeling of choking or “afraid to swallow” certain foods and drinks. However, for some people, the sensation of choking creates an overwhelming fear of swallowing. This can cause eating disorders and other health complications.
Causes of fear of swallowing
To date, studies on the fear of swallowing (Phagophobia) are limited, and the cause of the condition remains unknown. However, experts say it could be related to a range of complicating factors such as your previous experiences or other underlying health conditions.
In addition, phobias can also be learned by observation from others. Seeing others in pain or embarrassment when swallowing can cause you to develop a fear of the problem.
Several factors are thought to be involved in the development of agoraphobia (Phagophobia) including:
1. Fear of food
Swallowing phobia can develop in people who have experienced a food-related fear. This condition is often associated with a fear of specific foods, such as uncooked or perishable foods. Constantly worrying about eating stale food can also trigger feelings of fear.
2. Negative experience with eating
The fear of “swallowing” can be traced back to a range of negative experiences associated with eating. Such as choking, digestive disorders, food allergies, vomiting, etc.
In addition, a previous experience of choking can also lead to a agoraphobia (of which swallowing is more likely). A painful medical procedure involving the throat such as a tracheostomy can also cause fear and anxiety when swallowing.
3. Anxiety and stress
Experts point out that anxiety and stress can cause the throat muscles to spasm, and some people even feel like there is a lump in the throat. People who are afraid of swallowing may find themselves unable to perform the act of “swallowing” when they become overly anxious. On the contrary, this can worsen the fear. This creates a prolonged cycle that is difficult to break.
Phagophobia is one of the few conditions that is likely to occur without any identifiable cause or trigger. Because of this, it can be more difficult to treat than other phobias.
Signs of fear of swallowing
The manifestations of the fear of swallowing (Phagophobia) can vary from person to person. However, most people with this condition have the most noticeable symptom of extreme reluctance or avoidance of swallowing food, liquids, and medications.
Other symptoms of Phagophobia may include:
- Feeling anxious before meals
- Try to eat small amounts of food and drink water often with meals to aid in swallowing
- Extreme anxiety and fear at the thought of “swallowing”
- Heart rate and breathing become faster
- Reluctance or avoidance of eating in front of others
- Sweat
- Tendency to eat all liquids as an attempt to reduce anxiety about swallowing food
- Weight loss
- Occurrence of panic attacks
In fact, a person’s condition can be made worse by anxiety and stress. In addition, symptoms are likely to recur whenever they experience strong emotions such as sadness or anger.
Strong emotions from family members or stigma about the person being thin can contribute to anxiety and perpetuating symptoms. However, patients usually do not have symptoms suggestive of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or psychosis.
Is agoraphobia dangerous?
According to experts, the fear of swallowing (Phagophobia) is a serious disorder. Without early intervention, Phagophobia can have many worrying consequences.
The biggest effect of the fear of swallowing (Phagophobia) is that the sufferer can stop eating and drinking completely. This often leads to weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. In addition to the fear of swallowing food, people with Phagophobia are also afraid of swallowing drugs. This is the root of many more dangerous problems.
Phagophobia makes the treatment of other diseases very difficult. Patients often avoid using drugs because they have feelings of fear and obsession with swallowing pills. In some cases, Phagophobia can be indirectly life-threatening.
Diagnosing agoraphobia
Phagophobia is recognized as a specific phobia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition ((DSM-5). may involve “swallowing” – disproportionate to the actual danger present.
If you suspect you may have Phagophobia, see your doctor soon. Your doctor will work with you to determine if your symptoms have lasted at least six months and are severe enough to cause disruptions in relationships or work or other areas of life. or not.
Your doctor will also rule out other medical conditions that can lead to difficulty swallowing, such as bodily dysfunction, dry mouth, gastroesophageal reflux disease, a tumor in the throat, and more. , your doctor may also look for signs of other mental health conditions. Consists of:
- Eating disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
How to treat claustrophobia
Phagophobia can cause gradual restriction of eating habits. In severe cases it has the potential to cause worrisome health problems. However, to date, there is no definitive cure for this disease.
Some of the treatment options that can provide positive improvements include:
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is believed to be the preferred option when treating specific phobias, including the fear of swallowing (Phagophobia). Psychotherapy is carried out in the form of communication between the psychologist and the patient.
The goal of psychotherapy is to eliminate irrational and excessive fear of the act of “swallowing”. Depending on the patient’s health status and other related issues, the psychologist will choose the appropriate intervention direction as well as the appropriate method.
Some therapies that can provide positive benefits for Phagophobia include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help you recognize your negative thought patterns and challenge them. Also apply different behaviors towards positivity. In addition, this therapy also teaches you skills to overcome sadness and distract yourself. And it may also include other psychological aspects to help you better understand your phobia.
- Eyeball movement desensitization and reperception (EMDR): EMDR therapy uses sensory stimuli, such as repetitive eye movements, to alleviate the distress you feel when you “swallow.”
- Exposure therapy: Also known as desensitization or exposure therapy. Exposure therapy helps patients reduce irrational fears about the act of “swallowing” and manage it by exposing them to increasing levels of fear. With the help and support of a therapist, you will eventually be able to swallow food or drink.
- Hypnotherapy: In hypnotherapy, the therapist will help you go deeper into the suggestive state. From there, the specialist will understand the source of the fear to help the client change inappropriate thoughts. Moreover, this therapy also helps patients reduce anxiety, stress and improve sleep.
2. Drug use
Phagophobia can cause constant stress and anxiety. These emotions often lead to problems such as insomnia and high blood pressure. Therefore, in addition to psychotherapy, doctors may prescribe medication to help reduce anxiety levels during treatment.
Medications that may be prescribed by a doctor include:
- Beta blockers: This class of drugs is used to help improve the physical symptoms associated with Phagophobia. For example, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, insomnia, etc. However, beta blockers can be quite risky, so they should only be used when absolutely necessary.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants are used if the patient has pessimism, sadness, depression and distress due to the effects of agoraphobia (Phagophobia). For this group of drugs, absolutely do not stop suddenly because there can be many potential dangers.
- Benzodiazepines: This is a class of tranquilizers that can be used to alleviate anxiety and stress associated with phagophobia. In addition, this group of drugs also helps to lift the spirit and improve insomnia during treatment. However, Benzodiazepines have the potential to be addictive, so they should only be used for a short time and absolutely do not stop suddenly.
3. Other countermeasures
While psychotherapy and medication can offer many benefits for phagophobia, it’s also a good idea to apply additional coping techniques to work through your distress on your own.
As analyzed, the throat muscles often spasm when you are nervous and stressed. Coping strategies will therefore focus on staying calm. Some solutions that may help you include:
- Look for distractions: In fact, some people find that listening to music or watching TV while eating can help distract them. This makes chewing and swallowing less stressful.
- Bite in small pieces: Taking small bites of food or taking small sips of liquid can make it easier to swallow than trying to consume a large portion.
- Chew food thoroughly: Chewing food thoroughly helps soften it so it’s easier for you to swallow. This will help relieve your anxiety and stress.
- Eat soft foods: Soft foods usually irritate the throat much less than hard foods. You can use trial and error to find the foods that bring you the most comfort.
- Drink liquids between food bites: Taking a small sip of liquid after each bite of food can make swallowing easier.
Phagophobia is a rare but potentially serious disorder. If you suspect you have this disease, you should see your doctor for treatment instructions as soon as possible. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to dangerous problems
