Mysophobia: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Mysophobia | |||
| image = [[File:Naval_Health_Clinic,_Cherry_Point_offers_tips_to_fight_the_flu_this_winter_DVIDS348027.jpg|250px]] | |||
| alt = A person washing hands | |||
| caption = Hand washing is a common behavior in mysophobia. | |||
| pronounce = | |||
| specialty = [[Psychiatry]] | |||
| symptoms = Excessive fear of germs, compulsive hand washing, avoidance of perceived contaminated objects | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = [[Anxiety disorder]], [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation | |||
| differential = [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]], [[Generalized anxiety disorder]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[Exposure therapy]], [[Medication]] | |||
| medication = [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]] | |||
| prognosis = | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
'''Mysophobia''' is a pathological fear of contamination and germs. The term is derived from the Greek ''myso'' meaning "germs" and ''phobos'' meaning "fear". It is often related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). | '''Mysophobia''' is a pathological fear of contamination and germs. The term is derived from the Greek ''myso'' meaning "germs" and ''phobos'' meaning "fear". It is often related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). | ||
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
[[Mysophobia]] is characterized by an excessive or irrational fear of germs or dirt. This can lead to extreme cleaning habits or avoidance of situations that are perceived as dirty. It is not a diagnosable mental disorder, but rather a specific phobia that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. | [[Mysophobia]] is characterized by an excessive or irrational fear of germs or dirt. This can lead to extreme cleaning habits or avoidance of situations that are perceived as dirty. It is not a diagnosable mental disorder, but rather a specific phobia that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. | ||
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==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Symptoms of mysophobia may include excessive washing or cleaning; recurring thoughts about contamination; distress about dirt or germs; avoidance of public places; and fear of physical contact with others. These symptoms can vary in severity and may interfere with daily activities. | Symptoms of mysophobia may include excessive washing or cleaning; recurring thoughts about contamination; distress about dirt or germs; avoidance of public places; and fear of physical contact with others. These symptoms can vary in severity and may interfere with daily activities. | ||
[[File:Bacillus subtilis (2).jpg|thumb|Bacillus subtilis]] | [[File:Bacillus subtilis (2).jpg|thumb|Bacillus subtilis]] | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of mysophobia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It may be triggered by a traumatic event, such as a severe illness or infection during childhood. | The exact cause of mysophobia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It may be triggered by a traumatic event, such as a severe illness or infection during childhood. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for mysophobia typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand and change thought patterns that lead to fear and anxiety. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also be used to help manage symptoms. | Treatment for mysophobia typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand and change thought patterns that lead to fear and anxiety. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also be used to help manage symptoms. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Specific phobia]] | * [[Specific phobia]] | ||
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* [[Cognitive-behavioral therapy]] | * [[Cognitive-behavioral therapy]] | ||
* [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]] | * [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Phobias]] | [[Category:Phobias]] | ||
[[Category:Anxiety disorders]] | [[Category:Anxiety disorders]] | ||
Latest revision as of 04:41, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Mysophobia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Psychiatry |
| Symptoms | Excessive fear of germs, compulsive hand washing, avoidance of perceived contaminated objects |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Anxiety disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation |
| Differential diagnosis | Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Cognitive behavioral therapy, Exposure therapy, Medication |
| Medication | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Mysophobia is a pathological fear of contamination and germs. The term is derived from the Greek myso meaning "germs" and phobos meaning "fear". It is often related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Definition[edit]
Mysophobia is characterized by an excessive or irrational fear of germs or dirt. This can lead to extreme cleaning habits or avoidance of situations that are perceived as dirty. It is not a diagnosable mental disorder, but rather a specific phobia that can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of mysophobia may include excessive washing or cleaning; recurring thoughts about contamination; distress about dirt or germs; avoidance of public places; and fear of physical contact with others. These symptoms can vary in severity and may interfere with daily activities.
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Causes[edit]
The exact cause of mysophobia is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It may be triggered by a traumatic event, such as a severe illness or infection during childhood.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for mysophobia typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand and change thought patterns that lead to fear and anxiety. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also be used to help manage symptoms.
See also[edit]
- Specific phobia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
References[edit]
<references />
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