Choking phobia, also known as swallowing or phagophobia, though rare, can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, affecting not only their physical health but also their emotional well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the intricacies of choking phobia and its potential relationship with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and extreme fussy eating. Additionally, we’ll delve into the promising approach of hypnotherapy in addressing this challenging condition.
What choking phobia looks like to parents
- Refusal to Eat: Children may consistently refuse to eat or drink, especially certain types of food or drinks.
- Difficulty Swallowing: They may exhibit signs of difficulty swallowing, such as gagging, choking, or coughing during meals.
- Limited Diet: They may have a very limited diet, often preferring only a few specific foods or textures that they feel comfortable with.
- Weight Loss or Poor Growth: Over time, if the phagophobia is severe and untreated, it may lead to weight loss or poor growth due to inadequate nutrition.
- Avoidance Behaviours: Children may avoid social situations involving food, such as parties or gatherings where eating is expected.
- Physical Symptoms: In some cases, physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches may accompany the anxiety related to eating.
- Fear or Anxiety: Children with phagophobia may express anxiety about eating, even when they’re hungry, or not even eating. They may worry about food getting stuck in their throat or feel a tightness there. Some kids are concerned about being able to breathe properly while eating. They might eat very slowly or take a drink after every bite. Some avoid eating alone altogether, while others prefer it because they’re embarrassed by their difficulties or fear making noise or a mess. Overall the anxiety is overblown.
Medical investigation for extreme fussy eaters
It’s crucial for individuals experiencing choking phobia or phagophobia to undergo a thorough medical evaluation, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This evaluation aims to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to swallowing difficulties, such Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) , or Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE) or other structural abnormalities of the throat and oesophagus. By addressing potential medical factors first, parents can ensure their child receives appropriate treatment, paving the way for a more comprehensive approach to managing their swallowing fears.
Understanding choking phobia
Choking phobia is characterised by an intense fear of swallowing solid foods, liquids, or pills. This fear often arises from a traumatic choking incident but can also manifest without any specific triggering event. Individuals with choking phobia may experience panic attacks, severe anxiety, and even weight loss due to their avoidance of certain foods.
Phagophobia, ARFID and extreme fussy eating
The fear of swallowing, centred around the dread of choking, can lead to the development of restrictive eating habits similar to those observed in Individuals with extreme fussy eating or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). They may refuse certain foods based on texture, taste, or appearance, while those with choking phobia avoid foods due to the fear of choking.
Addressing choking phobia with Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for addressing choking phobia, offering a non-invasive and holistic treatment option. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy aims to reframe negative beliefs and associations related to swallowing and food consumption. Through guided relaxation and suggestion techniques, individuals can learn to overcome their fear of choking and develop healthier eating habits.
Numerous case studies and success stories highlight the effectiveness of hypnotherapy[1] in treating choking phobia. Individuals who once struggled to eat solid foods or swallow pills have reported significant improvements in their symptoms after undergoing hypnotherapy sessions. By addressing the root cause of the phobia and promoting relaxation and confidence, hypnotherapy empowers individuals to reclaim control over.
Other therapies
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you spot negative thinking patterns, challenge them, and adopt new behaviours. It teaches coping techniques like distraction and provides education about phagophobia.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR uses sensory methods, like eye movements or tapping, to ease swallowing-related distress and trauma.
- Exposure Therapy: This involves gradually facing the fear of swallowing with therapist guidance, starting from less daunting situations and progressing to swallowing food or drink.
- Medication: Some medications, such as antidepressants and beta-blockers, may be prescribed to reduce anxiety levels during therapy, aiding the treatment process.
Conclusion
Choking phobia can present significant challenges, impacting both physical and mental well-being. However, with the right approach, such as hypnotherapy, individuals can overcome their fear of swallowing and embrace a more positive relationship with food. By raising awareness of this often overlooked condition and exploring innovative treatment options, we can support individuals on their journey to healing and recovery.
For more info on how I can help your extreme fussy eater with a fear of swallowing why not book a chat with me.
Q and A
Q: How does hypnotherapy help children with choking phobia (phagophobia)?
A: Hypnotherapy addresses the subconscious fear of swallowing or choking, helping children with phagophobia replace anxiety with relaxation and confidence during meals. By reframing negative associations with eating and guiding children through calm visualizations, hypnotherapy can help reduce the intense fear of choking and encourage a healthier relationship with food.
Q: What are the signs of choking phobia or phagophobia in children, and how can hypnotherapy help?
A: Signs of choking phobia in children include refusal to eat certain foods, difficulty swallowing, limited diet, and anxiety during meals. Hypnotherapy can assist by targeting the underlying fears, helping children build positive associations with eating. The relaxed state induced in hypnotherapy allows children to confront their phobia in a safe and controlled manner, often making it easier to expand their diet.
Q: Can hypnotherapy help if my child has both ARFID and a fear of choking?
A: Yes, hypnotherapy is effective for children with both ARFID and choking phobia. It addresses the fear-based restrictions seen in ARFID and the specific anxieties around swallowing. By focusing on calming techniques and reframing fear responses, hypnotherapy empowers children to approach food with less anxiety, which can lead to a gradual broadening of accepted foods.
Q: Why is hypnotherapy recommended for children with phagophobia over other therapies?
A: Hypnotherapy is a gentle, non-invasive option that addresses the root causes of phagophobia by working directly with the subconscious mind. While therapies like CBT and exposure therapy also have benefits, hypnotherapy provides a unique approach by focusing on relaxation and positive imagery, helping children feel safe and reducing the likelihood of distress during treatment.
Q: What should we expect from a hypnotherapy session for a child with choking phobia?
A: In a hypnotherapy session for choking phobia, children are guided into a relaxed state, using breathing exercises and visualisation to foster a calm environment. The therapist introduces positive suggestions around food and eating, helping the child to see mealtime as safe and enjoyable. Over time, these sessions aim to build confidence, reduce avoidance behaviours, and improve the child’s willingness to try new foods.
Q: Is hypnotherapy effective for children with swallowing fears caused by trauma?
A: Yes, hypnotherapy is particularly effective for children whose swallowing fears stem from traumatic incidents. By revisiting and reframing these past experiences in a relaxed mental state, hypnotherapy helps reduce the emotional intensity tied to the trauma, enabling children to move past the fear and approach meals without anxiety.
