Mysophobia (fear of germs)

What is mysophobia?

Mysophobia is a phobia of dirt and germs. People suffering from mysophobia can become extremely worried about being infected or contaminated by germs, and this can lead to excessive hand washing, cleaning and avoiding situations where they might come into contact with dirt or germs. Mysophobia is related to other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and can significantly affect a person’s daily life and well-being, but it is treatable.

What causes mysophobia?

The causes of mysophobia, like other phobias, can be due to several different factors and vary from person to person. A predisposition to anxiety disorders, including phobias, can be hereditary, meaning that people with a family history of anxiety disorders may have an increased risk of developing mysophobia.

According to Beyond Blue, 3 million Australians are living with anxiety. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. 1 in 4 people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.

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Traumatic events involving dirt or germs, such as a serious illness or an unpleasant event related to dirt, can trigger mysophobia in some individuals. Even experiential learning, such as observing others’ fear or aversion to dirt and germs, can contribute to the development of mysophobia.

Overexposure to information about germs, diseases and infection risks, especially in the media, can increase the fear of dirt and lead to mysophobia. This may be particularly relevant in times of health crises or epidemics, where information and warnings about infection risks are widespread.

Psychological factors, such as having other anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or general anxiety, can also make a person more prone to developing mysophobia. It is important to understand that mysophobia, like other phobias, is a valid and treatable anxiety issue, and effective treatment methods, including therapy and medication, can help individuals manage their fears and improve quality of life.

How common are phobias?

According to research in the field, approximately 8-12% of the population suffer from one or more phobias in their lifetime. These can range from common phobias such as fear of heights and social phobia to lesser known ones such as ‘phobia of holes’ (trypophobia).

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Symptoms of mysophobia

The symptoms of mysophobia can vary in severity from mild to severe symptoms, but often include both physical and emotional reactions typical of anxiety disorders. Here are some of the most common symptoms of mysophobia:

• Excessive fear or anxiety when thinking about dirt, germs or being contaminated.
• Avoidance behaviour, where the sufferer goes to great lengths to avoid places, situations or objects that they think may be dirty or contaminated.
• Compulsive behaviours, such as excessive hand washing, cleaning, or using hand sanitizers to try to eliminate or reduce contact with germs.
• Physical symptoms of anxiety, including heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, or a feeling of suffocation.
• Panic attacks, which can occur at the thought of or upon exposure to dirt or germs.
• Emotional stress or anxiety that affects daily functioning, work, school or social interactions.
• Rational or irrational beliefs about being in danger or at risk of illness from dirt or bacteria, which can lead to significant anxiety or stress.

The symptoms can become so severe that they affect a person’s work, school and social life, limiting their ability to function normally in everyday life. If you recognize these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Mysophobia in children

Mysophobia can also develop in children, manifesting as a fear of dirt and germs, which can lead to excessive hand washing, avoidance of playgrounds, and anxiety. It is important to identify and manage mysophobia early on to prevent negative impacts on the child’s life.

To address mysophobia in children, professional help from child psychologists, tailored cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and possibly exposure therapy, where the child is gradually exposed to their fears, are recommended. Parents play an important role by offering support and creating a supportive environment at home. Education about germs and hygiene in a child-friendly way can also be helpful.

Early intervention and collaboration between therapists, parents, and children is essential to help the child overcome their fears and live a more balanced life.

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Treatment for mysophobia

Treatment for mysophobia aims to reduce the person’s fear and anxiety and to help them manage their symptoms. One of the most effective forms of treatment for mysophobia is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focusses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts about dirt and germs and replacing them with more realistic and balanced ways of thinking. CBT may include exposure therapy, where the person is gradually and in a controlled way exposed to what they fear, in this case dirt and germs, to reduce fear over time.

For some people, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and anti-anxiety medications can be helpful. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises, can help individuals manage anxiety in the moment and reduce overall stress levels.

Lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity, a healthy diet and adequate sleep, can also help reduce anxiety and improve overall wellbeing. It is important that treatment is tailored to the individual, as everyone experiences their phobia and its symptoms differently, and a mental health professional can offer guidance and support in finding the most appropriate treatment plan.

How therapy can improve your life

Seeking professional help can significantly improve your quality of life. As it gives you effective tools to manage phobias and change the pattern you have developed that causes anxiety. Seeking help for psychological problems can be embarrassing, but talking to a psychologist can be incredibly liberating and helpful if you are living with a phobia that hinders your daily life.

Take the first step to booking a therapy session

Life is too short to let phobias limit you. Therefore, therapy is a step in the right direction to help you live a full and rich life. If you or someone you know is living with phobias, professional therapy can make a real difference. Our therapists and psychologists offer a confidential and safe environment to explore and treat your phobias.