Mysophobia

Mysophobia

Often confused with obsessive compulsive disorder, mysophobia is actually a severe anxiety relating to dirt or becoming dirty because the dirt may contain germs or other contaminants. Commonly referred to as germophobia, this fear is linked with many other disorders but is still actually a condition in its own right, with sufferers fearing every germ and not being able to rationally explain away their anxiety. This particular phobia is growing in the United States, where germ killing cleaners and a sanitized world are portrayed an necessary for day to day life. Often triggered by seemingly harmless events, mysophobia has been shown to be linked with families who have a history of anxiety and depression. Whatever the cause, online therapy for mysophobia is possible here at Mentaline.com.

Symptoms of Mysophobia

For mysophobes, exposure to dirt or germs may produce a panic attack that includes everything from a racing heart to nausea. They will go out of their way to avoid any possible exposure to dirt or germs. Often, mysophobia can result in repeated and uncontrollable behaviors that can be misdiagnosed as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD.) Repeated hand washing or avoiding social situations where one might have to touch other people or even something that someone else has touched are common signs of mysophobia.

Dangers of Mysophobia

When left unaddressed, mysophobia can easily morph into even more serious disorders like OCD or lead to other irrational fears. The possibility of contamination often leads to a significant hampering of a person's social life, as they will refuse to put themselves in any situation where germs might be present. The misunderstanding others may have of the phobia can also cause alienation and even further isolation for the mysophobe. This is why treatment for the phobia is important if the symptoms appear.

Treatment for Mysophobia

Mysophobia can become progressively worse if left untreated. While some people turn to antidepressants or other drugs and still others experiments with extreme therapies to treat their mysophobia, here at Mentaline.com we recommend that you try online therapy. You can book online therapy sessions who can guide you. If you want to take back control of your life, find a therapist on Mentaline.com who can help you.

Definition of Mysophobia

Mysophobia is a pathological and irrational fear of contact with dirt because it might contain germs and the sufferer could then become “contaminated." Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment for mysophobia.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Mysophobia

• An irrational fear of dirt and germs
• The need to avoid anywhere that might be contaminated with germs
• A paranoia about touching things or people who may be infected
• The urge to avoid social situations so that germs and dirt will not be an issue
•  Panic attacks if the sufferer believes that they have been infected

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