Phagophobia: A Case Report of a 5-Year-Old Girl

Phagophobia, the irrational fear of swallowing, is a rare but potentially life-threatening disorder, often underdiagnosed and poorly understood. This case study presents a 5-year-old girl who developed phagophobia following a traumatic choking incident. She exhibited severe separation anxiety and refusal to eat, resulting in a referral to child psychiatry. Through a series of consultations, we implemented parental guidance and behavioral therapy, including gradual exposure, which led to favorable outcomes. Phagophobia is a specific phobia with no organic cause, making differential diagnosis essential to exclude physiological or eating disorders. Effective treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, such as graded exposure and, in some cases, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), particularly when trauma is involved. Nutritional management is also critical to prevent malnutrition and growth issues. Early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach, involving psychologists, psychiatrists, and dietitians, are vital for improving the child's quality of life and addressing both the psychological and physical complications of the disorder.