gastrofob

Gastrofob is a term used to describe a person who experiences an intense fear or aversion related to the stomach, eating, or gastroenterological situations. It is not a formally recognized diagnosis in major medical manuals, and in clinical literature it is often described as a specific phobia or discussed as part of anxiety related to food and digestion rather than as a distinct disorder with its own criteria.

Symptoms commonly attributed to gastrofobia include avoidance of meals or certain foods, distress at the thought of eating, and anticipatory anxiety that can manifest as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, or dizziness. In severe cases, individuals may reduce food intake, lose weight, or experience social and functional impairment due to anxiety around meals or medical procedures such as endoscopy or imaging studies.

Potential causes and risk factors are not well defined in the literature. Gastrofobia may arise from prior adverse experiences with eating, vomiting, choking, or invasive GI procedures, and can be linked to broader anxiety or phobic traits. It is often seen in conjunction with other anxiety disorders or eating-related issues.

Diagnosis typically relies on clinical evaluation using criteria for specific phobias or related anxiety disorders, with careful assessment to exclude organic GI disease. Treatment strategies mirror those for other specific phobias and may include cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure, gradual reintroduction of foods, and anxiety management techniques. When appropriate, nutritional support and medical evaluation help address any underlying GI conditions. Pharmacotherapy may be considered for comorbid anxiety disorders, under professional supervision.

Note: the term is used variably and is not universally adopted in formal diagnostic systems.