Mysophobia, or the fear of germs, refers to an unhealthy fear of germs. In this case, “germs” refers broadly to any microorganism that causes disease — for instance, bacteria, viruses, or parasites..
Also known as verminophobia, germophobia, germaphobia, bacillophobia and bacteriophobia
The term was coined by William A. Hammond in 1879 when describing a case of obsessive–compulsive disorder exhibited in repeatedly washing one’s hands. Mysophobia may be an extension of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as many people who suffer from this mental illness often experience a fear of germs as well.
However, the distinction between the two is that the individual with OCD will often perform irrational and bizarre compulsions to minimise their obsessive thoughts. With mysophobia, there is more of an emphasis on the sheer terror of germs and bacteria as opposed to additionally experiencing irrelevant compulsions (e.g. counting to a “safe” number) like with OCD.
How is Mysophobia diagnosed
Mysophobia falls under the category of specific phobias in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and is actually one of the more common phobias, along with the fear of the number 13, fear of dogs, fear of planes, among several others.
A clinician will conduct an interview, which may include questions about current symptoms, family, medical, and psychiatric history.
The criteria used is:-
the phobia is causing significant distress
impacts your ability to function
lasts for six months or more
also you may be asked if the mysophobia is caused by OCD
Symptoms of Mysophobia
The distress and anxiety caused by a germ phobia are out of proportion to the damage that germs are likely to cause. Someone who has mysophobia might go to extreme lengths to avoid contamination.
The emotional and psychological symptoms of Mysophobia include:
intense terror, anxiety, worries, or nervousness related to exposure to germs
thoughts of germ exposure resulting in an illnesses or other negative consequence
thoughts of being overcome with fear in situations when germs are present
trying to distract yourself from thoughts about germs or situations that involve germs
feeling powerless to control a fear of germs that you recognise as unreasonable or extreme
The behavioral symptoms of Mysophobia include:
avoiding or leaving situations perceived to result in germ exposure
spending an excessive amount of time thinking about, preparing for, or putting off situations that might involve germs
difficulty functioning at home, work, or school because of fear of germs (eg the need to excessively wash your hands limiting your productivity in places where you perceive there to be many germs)
The physical symptoms of mysophobia are similar to those of other anxiety disorders and can occur during both thoughts of germs and situations that involve germs.
They include:
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating or chills
- shortness of breath and light-headedness
- chest tightness or pain
- tingling, shaking or tremors
- restlessness, headache, nausea or vomiting
- Children depending on their age, may experience additional symptoms, such as:
- tantrums, crying, or screaming
- clinging to or refusing to leave parents
- difficulty sleeping
- nervous movements
- self-esteem issues
Causes of mysophobia
Like other phobias, mysophobia often begins between childhood and young adulthood.
Negative experiences in childhood. Many people can recall a specific event or traumatic experience that led to germ-related fears.
Family history. Phobias can have a genetic link.
Environmental factors. Beliefs and practices about cleanliness or hygiene that you’re exposed to as a young person may influence the development of mysophobia.
Triggers are objects, places, or situations that aggravate phobia symptoms.
Triggers can include:
bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, or semen
unclean objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, computer keyboards, or unwashed clothes
places where germs are known to collect, such as airplanes or hospitals
unhygienic practices or people
Treatment for Mysophobia
Therapy
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counselling, can help you face your fear of germs. Exposure therapy or desensitisation involves gradual exposure to mysophobia triggers. The goal is to reduce anxiety and fear caused by germs. Over time, you regain control of your thoughts about germs.
Medication
Medications are used to relieve symptoms in the short term.
These medications include:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Certain lifestyle changes.
These include:
practising mindfulness or meditation to target anxiety
applying other relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga
getting enough sleep
eating healthy
seeking a support group
confronting feared situations when possible
reducing caffeine or other stimulant consumption
Sydney Phobia Therapy has an online therapy for Mysophobia.
We currently use a 3rd generation version for fear of Mysophobia phobia therapy based on the original Fast Phobia Cure initially created by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the 1970’s.
Now when I say fast, I mean typically one session only, no homework and its content free.
Content free means you don’t talk about, and you certainly don’t tell me, because I don’t want it either. You’re seeing me online, so stay in the comfort of your own space and no travel time, to have it removed, not to see if we can talk it to death.
