Gag Reflections

Emetophobia--the disproportionate fear of vomiting or being in the presence of someone vomiting--affects millions of people yet is seldom discussed. Part-memoir, part clinical history, Dara Lovitz provides a brutally honest account of her life as an emetophobe. Written with her therapist, Dr. David Yusko, her story unravels the mystery of emetophobia. Lovitz spent years trying traditional talk therapy and self-help books yet nothing seemed to reduce her anxiety. In desperation, she tried exposure therapy. With a therapist's guidance, she was able to overcome emetophobia. The history of exposure therapy for treating emetophobes is covered.