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Pathological fear of bodily fluids6/1/2023 ![]() A fear of germs becomes a phobia when it is unreasonable and interferes with normal activities. They may be aware that the fear is excessive or unwarranted, but they are unable to stop or control it. Germs and contamination pose some danger to humans, and thus, a reasonable fear of germs should be differentiated from mysophobia. Those with mysophobia may be unable to think about anything else other than germs and are oftentimes worried that the germs will lead to illness. ![]() An individual may also have the fear that their own child is contaminated and may thus disallow visitors to interact with the child. The main signs and symptoms of mysophobia include an intense fear of germs or contamination, accompanied with obsessive hand washing, avoidance of places perceived to be full of germs or contamination, fixation on cleanliness, and overuse of sanitizing products. Join millions of students and clinicians who learn by Osmosis! Start Your Free Trial What are the signs and symptoms of mysophobia? Individuals with mysophobia may also feel an intense urge to avoid situations where they feel they can become contaminated, or they may go to extreme efforts to remove sources of contamination. Repetitive behaviors associated with mysophobia may include excessive hand washing or bathing. It is one of the most prevalent types of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a psychiatric diagnosis characterized by excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). An individual with mysophobia has an obsessive worry about contracting an illness from various sources, including bodily fluids and bacteria. It is a type of specific phobia, which is a fear that is pervasive and interferes with daily functioning. Mysophobia refers to the intense and irrational fear of germs, dirt, or contamination. Back Mysophobia What Is It, Causes, Symptoms, and MoreĮditor s : Alyssa Haag, Ian Mannarino, MDĬopyeditor : David G.
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