Ew! Germs!

We have all see people walk out of the bathroom without washing their hands.  We’ve all seen children pick their nose then touch an object.  We have all been exposed to germs. Germs are everywhere and they are mysophobia sufferer’s worst nightmare!

According to psychologist, Lisa Fritscher, mysophobia is the fear of germs. Yet, this phobia refers to an “unhealthy fear of contamination”. For example, it is normal and wise to be concerned about issues such as cross-contamination of foods, exposure of bodily fluids from others and maintaining good hygiene. However, if you suffer from mysophobia, these normal concerns become exaggerated.

Mysophobia is linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. According to Fritscher, one of the most common symptoms of mysophobia is frequent hand washing, which is also a common symptom of OCD. However, the motivation for the hand washing is different. People with OCD feel obligated to wash their hands as a way to relieve stress.   On the other hand, people with mysophobia feel compelled to complete the act specifically to remove germs.

Symptoms of mysophobia include:

·      Shaking,

·      Heart palpitations

·      Sweating

·      Crying when exposed to dirt or bacteria.

These symptoms may occur only when the object of your phobia is visible.  For example, digging in a garden. These symptoms may even occur when the person suffering from mysohobia believes that germ contact may have occurred, such as shaking hands with someone or using a doorknob.

Mysophobia sufferers may also demonstrate unusual behaviors. For example, they may take multiple showers each day. They may even carry and use hand sanitizer frequently and may be unwilling to use public restrooms, share food or take public transportation.

Since people with mysophobia fear germs carried by others, the condition can lead them to avoid social situations, such as work parties, holiday get-togethers and meetings. When and if the person does decide to participate, they may find themselves avoiding physical contact and sanitizing their hands more frequently.

Over time, these behaviors can lead to isolation. Friends and relatives might not understand, and they could perceive you as hostile or even paranoid. Sometimes other phobias can develop from mysophobia. Mysophobia sufferers could develop social phobia, in which a person fears contact with other human beings.  Sometimes mysophobia sufferers eventually chooses to isolate themselves altogether, which leads to agoraphobia, which is the fear of being trapped in a situation where escape is impossible or embarrassing, or help is unavailable in case of a panic attack.

Fortunately, mysophobia can be successfully managed. It is important to visit a mental health professional as soon as possible because the condition tends to worsen over time.  According to Fritscher, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most common form of treatment for mysophobia. Sometimes the therapist may encourage the mysophobia sufferer to explore the root of the phobia, which can help control the symptoms of the phobia.

Although germs are repulsive, try not to the let them get in the way of you living your life. 

Also, make sure you stay tuned for my next blog, as I will discuss the top weirdest phobias!