Choking phobia: a case report

Abstract

Choking phobia is characterized by fear and avoidance of swallowing food, fluids or pills. It often appears in women after an episode of choking on food. We present the case of an adolescent beginning her phobia after a mononucleosis with severe disphagia. Patient’s solid restriction raised concerns about differential diagnosis with eating disorders. She was treated with psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring and graduated exposure in vivo, achieving a total recovery.