Dealing With Phobia of Eating Food

Q: Dear doctor, when I was 19 years old, I read in a newspaper that a tablet stuck in a throat of a 12 years old boy. Then a doctor took it out. After that news, I suffered from ‘eating phobia’. Now I am 40 years old. I cannot forget that news. Since that day I am eating slowly. If I have drunk alcohol, I can eat very easily and more quantity without any feeling. I have seen 20 ENT doctors. Barium swallow test and endoscopy were normal. So in public meeting, hotels etc. I am not able to eat freely. It affects my career. So now, how can I get cured? Is it possible to get cured by a psychiatrist?. Because one psychiatrist told we that I need Brain MRI scan and many more tests. Can I get treatment from him? Is it possible to get treatment without meeting a doctor? How can I improve my self-confidence?
-By Sachin

Reply:

You need both, some medical intervention and psychiatric help.

What Is Sitophobia?

Phobia is an unrealistic fear towards something. Phobia for food is commonly called sitophobia. This is not a very complicated thing and can be solved by logical counseling. A qualified psychiatric would be able to do it.

Psychotherapy by Hypnoanalysis

There is a technique called Hypnoanalysis (Hypnotherapy). Here, the mind is taught to attach different feelings to the feared items. The patient is encouraged to speak out his subconscious. In this way, the triggers of fear and the sequence of thoughts produced (as you begin eating) can be traced out.

This way, it becomes easy to introduce positive suggestions and the desired changes.

Role of Medications

You may also need mild medications like anti-anxiety drugs. They would provide relieve, as you described that alcohol suppresses the fear for some time. However, alcohol is not suggested because of its harmful effects.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.