Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
Mysophobia involves a severe fear of germs and bacteria.
This fear can have a significant affect on a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
Cognitive-behavior therapy and exposure therapy can be particularly effective in treating this condition.
Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
What Is Mysophobia?
However, if you have mysophobia, these normal concerns become overblown and disruptive to everyday life.
The phobia is believed to be fairly common and can affect people from all walks of life.
You may take multiple showers each day.
You might carry and use hand sanitizer frequently.
You may be unwilling to use public restrooms, share food, or take public transportation.
How Is Mysophobia Diagnosed?
Mysophobia goes beyond disliking germs and dirt.
Instead, it would be considered a specific phobia if the symptoms meet a specific set of diagnostic criteria.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
You might avoid expected gatherings such as work parties, holiday get-togethers, and meetings.
When you do participate, you may find yourself avoiding physical contact and sanitizing your hands more frequently.
Over time, these behaviors can lead to isolation.
Your friends and relatives might not understand, and they could perceive you as hostile or even paranoid.
You could developsocial phobia, in which you begin to fear contact with others.
What Causes Mysophobia?
OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent, and unwanted urges or images that cause distress or anxiety.
These obsessions may intrude when you’re trying to think of or do other things.
However, the motivation for handwashing is different.
Treatment for Mysophobia
Fortunately, mysophobia can be successfully managed.
Treatments that your therapist may recommend include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Online therapy may be another option you might want to consider.
Online therapy has been found to be effective in the treatment of a number of mental health conditions.
Studies also suggest that virtual reality exposure therapy can be just as effective as real-world exposure therapy.
Medication
Medications are not usually prescribed on their own to address specific phobias such as mysophobia.
Medicationsmay also be prescribed to help manage some symptoms or to treat co-occurring mental health conditions.
Medications are most effective when they are used in combination with psychotherapy.
Getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help you find relief and improve your overall well-being.
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