What is mysophobia and how to get rid of it
Miscellaneous / / May 06, 2023
You need to fight not with bacteria, but with your fears.
What is mysophobia
Mysophobia (germophobia, bacillophobia) is a pathological fear of dirt and microorganisms that may be in it.
In general, it is normal to be afraid of harmful bacteria. These fears turn into a phobia when thoughts about microbes become obsessive and constantly haunt a person, changing his behavior and well-being. For example, if he cannot grasp the door handle because it may have bacteria on it, he washes his hands endlessly and disinfects all surfaces that he touches.
This fear can also lead to social problems. A person may be afraid of shaking hands and hugs, stay away from people so as not to inadvertently get infected from them, and have difficulty visiting public places, including shops, restaurants and cafes.
Mysophobia is common symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is a condition in which a person is haunted by intrusive thoughts - obsessions, after which he performs repetitive actions to relieve anxiety - compulsions. For example, if he is troubled by thoughts of pollution and contamination, he may wash his hands often and for a long time.
At the same time, OCD does not necessarily mean a fear of germs. People with this disorder may suffer from a wide variety of intrusive thoughts.
Why does mysophobia appear?
Specific phobias inherited in 30% of cases, so if your parents or other close relatives suffered from irrational fears, you may just have been unlucky with the nervous system.
Not only genes, but also the influence of the environment can also have a value. For example, if parents were afraid of germs, children are more likely to perceive bacteria as evil and defend themselves against them. In addition, a phobia can grow out of a negative experience - a serious illness or complications after it.
Moreover, the modern world seems to contribute to the development of mysophobia. Thanks to advertising that demonizes bacteria, people are increasingly afraid microorganisms and seek to sterilize everything around - from surfaces in the house to their own skin.
How to know if you have mysophobia
You can be a victim of this phobia if:
- wash your hands often, sometimes doing it several times in a row or for an unreasonably long time;
- wear gloves to avoid contact with germs;
- avoid social contacts, you can beware of even close people;
- cover or pack things you use frequently, such as a car remote or steering wheel;
- try to reduce the time spent in public places, including toilets, shops and restaurants;
- if you suspect contact with microbes, immediately return home;
- take a shower many times a day;
- use a sanitizer every time you touch an unfamiliar object or surface.
Misophobia can also call physical symptoms of anxiety:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- suffocation;
- frequent heartbeat;
- shiver;
- profuse sweating.
If your symptoms interfere with your life, work, and education, limit your opportunities, complicate relationships, and cause discomfort, you should consider finding a therapist.
Is it possible to cope with mysophobia
Any phobia is good are being treated through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically desensitization procedures, or exposure therapy.
The essence of the technique lies in the fact that a person gradually, at his own pace and in a comfortable environment, meets the object of fear and gets used to it. For example, he touches a dirty object, and then does not wash his hands for some time, trying to relax and calm down. Over time, fear weakens, and a person gets used to frightening objects in real life.
If, in addition to the phobia, he has an obsessive-compulsive disorder, the psychiatrist may turn on pharmacological support, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), into the treatment plan.
These drugs are usually used to treat depression, but also help relieve OCD symptoms.
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