What Does It Mean To Have Mysophobia (Germophobia)?

Mysophobia (germophobia) is an intense fear of dirt, contamination, and germs like bacteria and viruses. People with this fear tend to avoid contact with dirt or anything they believe is contaminated. Coming into contact with these substances can cause them to feel extreme distress and anxiety. Those living with this condition may go to extremes to avoid germs, which can often reduce their quality of life. 

Mysophobia is not specifically included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). However, researchers agree that this phobia is categorized as a "specific phobia," which falls under the DSM-5 category of anxiety disorders.

A specific phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes an intense or irrational fear of an object or situation, even when it poses little or no actual danger.

Symptoms

Many people are conscious of their hygiene and exposure to germs. However, those with mysophobia may exhibit the following behaviors:

• Being fixated on cleanliness
• Overusing cleaning products and antiseptics
• Washing hands over and over again
• Avoiding places and objects that they believe are contaminated
• Limiting going out into crowded places because of a perceived fear of exposure to germs

Because mysophobia is also associated with an anxiety disorder, it may cause symptoms of anxiety or panic, which can manifest as:

• Heart palpitations
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Restlessness
• Trouble concentrating or having a sense of impending danger

Msyophobia is sometimes also associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but this fear can also occur in people without OCD. In people with both mysophobia and OCD, traits of obsession and compulsion will often be present. They may have persistent, uncontrollable thoughts about germs and may often indulge in repetitive actions or rituals, like repetitive handwashing, as a form of relief or coping mechanism.

What Causes Mysophobia?

It’s not clear what exactly causes mysophobia, but several factors can increase your risk of developing the fear. These include:

• Having a family history of mysophobia
• Enduring a traumatic experience related to germs (e.g., losing a loved one to a bacterial illness)
• Experiencing hyperactivity in the amygdala (the part of your brain that controls emotions)
• Being aware of more diseases, germs, and pathogens that can affect your health 
• Living with other mental health conditions such as OCD, depression, and anxiety
  

Diagnosis

If you have a fear of germs or think you may be experiencing mysophobia, seeing a healthcare provider for support can help. Generally, mental health providers such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists can help you receive a diagnosis and teach you ways to manage your symptoms.

Your provider can use the DSM-5 to see if you meet the criteria for a specific phobia. You may have mysophobia if you:

• Experience persistent, unreasonable, or excessive fear of germs or contamination
• Avoid situations where you might be exposed to germs
• Feel extreme stress or anxiety when you're exposed to germs
• Believe your symptoms are affecting important areas of your life, such as relationships or work
• Have had symptoms for six months or more

Mysophobia Treatment

Based on your symptoms and diagnosis, your provider may recommend one of the following therapy options:

• Exposure therapy: Involves exposing you to your fear, allowing you to confront it and learn how to detach your emotions from it. This therapy is one of the most effective treatments for specific phobias and uses techniques like virtual reality, images, or real-life exposure. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps you identify negative or harmful thinking patterns that may be fueling your phobia and teaches you how to replace them with positive thoughts.

Some people may want to seek medication for their fear. However, medications aren't common treatment options for specific phobias, as studies show that they may not be effective. However, some studies suggest that beta blockers and benzodiazepines may help reduce anxiety or distress when taken in conjunction with therapy.

How To Prevent Mysophobia

There is no surefire way to prevent mysophobia. However, since it has been linked to factors like past traumatic experiences and other mental health conditions, the following strategies may help reduce your risk of developing a phobia:

• Practice self-care
• Try deep breathing exercises
• Get enough sleep
• Manage stress through hobbies you enjoy, yoga, journaling, or meditation

Complications

If mysophobia is left untreated, it can significantly affect your quality of life and cause complications such as:

• Anxiety
• Isolation
• Obsessive behaviors such as repetitive handwashing, cleaning of surfaces, and bathing
• Higher risk of developing other mental health conditions
• Avoidance of social situations and emotional support from others
• Extreme distress
  

A Quick Review

Mysophobia (germophobia) is a fear of germs, dirt, and contamination, which causes symptoms and behaviors like overusing cleaning supplies and anxiety. This fear is categorized as a specific phobia, which can often occur alongside anxiety disorders and OCD.

While living with the fear of germs can significantly affect the quality of your life, treatments like exposure or cognitive behavioral therapy can help you manage symptoms and live well.