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What is mysophobia?

Mysophobia is a phobia of dirt, germs and contamination. People suffering from mysophobia can become extremely worried about being infected or contaminated by germs. 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. Help is available.

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 genetic. This means that people with a family history of anxiety disorders may have an increased risk of developing mysophobia.

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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 germs 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 the Canadian Psychological Association, around one in 10 Canadians experience phobias. These can range from common phobias such as claustrophobia, fear of heights, social phobia, and snake phobia, to lesser known ones such as a fear of clusters of holes (trypophobia).


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Symptoms of mysophobia

The symptoms of mysophobia can vary in severity from mild to severe symptoms. It often includes 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 behaviours, 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. This 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 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). CBT focuses 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 helpful to manage symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and anti-anxiety medications can be beneficial. 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. Mental health professionals 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. It gives you effective tools to manage phobias and can change the pattern you have developed that causes anxiety. Seeking help for psychological problems can feel intimidating, but talking to a psychologist can be extremely liberating and helpful if you are living with a phobia that is hindering your daily life.

Take the first step

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.


12 frequently asked questions about mysophobia

What is mysophobia?

Mysophobia is a phobia of dirt and germs.

How are phobias different from ordinary fears?

Ordinary fear is a natural reaction to an actual danger, while a phobia is an exaggerated fear that has no rational explanation. Phobias can be triggered even when there is no actual risk.

Are phobias common?

Yes, phobias are one of the most common forms of mental health problems. It is estimated that a significant proportion of the population suffers from at least one form of phobia.

What are the symptoms of mysophobia?

People suffering from mysophobia may become extremely worried about being infected or contaminated by germs, and this can lead to excessive hand washing, cleaning and avoiding situations where they may come into contact with dirt or germs.

What causes mysophobia?

The causes of mysophobia, like other phobias, can be due to several different factors and vary from person to person. Environmental, hereditary and individual factors interact.

Is it possible to get rid of a phobia?

Yes, with the right treatment and support, phobic symptoms can be treated. However, it usually requires the help of a licensed psychologist or therapist.

How does treatment work?

Treatment can vary but often involves cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and medication if necessary.

What is cognitive behavioural therapy?

CBT is an active evidence-based treatment method that works with thoughts, feelings and behaviours in different situations to improve quality of life and overcome certain symptoms.

Can children get mysophobia?

Children can also be affected and it is important to seek help from a child psychologist for proper treatment.

Can I get treatment online?

Online treatment is possible, but for specific phobias it may be better to meet in person.

I have a fear of germs after Covid, what should I do?

If you have a strong fear of germs, which is common after a pandemic, but you feel it is affecting your everyday life, you can seek help from a psychologist or doctor. Help is available.

Where can I turn if I need help?

At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who work with CBT and who can help you feel better if you have mild to moderate symptoms. If you have more severe symptoms, you can contact your healthcare centre to get a referral to a specialist psychiatrist. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call 911, call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.

What does treatment for mysophobia involve?

Seeking treatment for mysophobia can feel overwhelming, but remember that you are not alone in your journey to overcome your fear. There is help available and here is an idea of what it might look like:

1. Understanding and assessment

The first step is to understand that you have a phobia and that it is okay to seek help for it. A professional will help you evaluate your situation and understand what is causing your fear.

2. Psychoeducation and objectives

You will learn about your phobia and how it affects you both physically and mentally. It is important to understand what happens in your body, thoughts and feelings when the fear occurs. You will also set goals for your treatment.

3. Tools to change behaviours and patterns

This works on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to the fear. This will help you develop a more nuanced understanding and increase your ability to manage the phobia. Exposure therapy can be scary, but it is an effective way to gradually face your fears. Together with your therapist, you will explore situations that trigger your phobia and learn how to deal with them. You will also have homework to practice between sessions.

4. Medication (if needed)

In some cases, doctors may suggest medication to help with anxiety symptoms. This is something you and your doctor can discuss if appropriate.

5. Follow up and evaluate progress

You will have support from your psychologist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing to maintain your progress over time.

Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. Together, we can make the difficult easier.


Written by Sophia Coulter

Sophia is a registered nurse with experience in inpatient, emergency and community mental health care. She has a passion for providing emergency support for those experiencing mental health crises.