Psychology Facts

▲ Germophobia ▲

(A good movie about this condition is a comedy movie called 'What About Bob' 10/10 would recommend)

》Germaphobia (also sometimes spelled germophobia) is the fear of germs. In this case, "germs" refers broadly to any microorganism that causes disease — for instance, bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

》Germaphobia may be referred to by other names, including:

bacillophobia

bacteriophobia

mysophobia

verminophobia

》The emotional and psychological symptoms of germaphobia include:

intense terror or fear of germs
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 recognize as unreasonable or extreme

》The behavioral symptoms of germaphobia 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

seeking help to cope with the fear or situations that cause fear

difficulty functioning at home, work, or school because of fear of germs (for example, the need to excessively wash your hands may limit your productivity in places where you perceive there to be many germs)

》Physical symptoms include:

rapid heartbeat

sweating or chills

shortness of breath

chest tightness or pain

light-headedness

tingling

shaking or tremors

muscle tension

restlessness

nausea or vomiting

headache

difficulty relaxing

》Causes of germaphobia:

Negative experiences in childhood. Many people with germaphobia can recall a specific event or traumatic experience that led to germ-related fears.

Family history. Phobias can have a genetic link. Having a close family member with a phobia or another anxiety disorder can increase your risk. However, they might not have the same phobia as you.

Environmental factors. Beliefs and practices about cleanliness or hygiene that you're exposed to as a young person may influence the development of germaphobia.

Brain factors. Certain changes in brain chemistry and function are thought to play a role in the development of phobias.

》Germaphobia triggers that cause symptoms 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

》Germaphobia is commonly treated with

therapy,

medication,

and self-help measures.