Mysophobia

As mysophobia ( infection phobia) a morbid and exaggerated fear of contact with dirt or infection by bacteria, viruses, etc. is called. The fear may relate to real impurities, but also exist only in the imagination of those affected. The result is an extreme avoidance behavior, and generally not a compulsive washing or cleaning compulsion, and under this name is this phobia also known in the vernacular. This phobia is thus referred to by psychologists as mental OCD.

The exaggerated fear of dirt and bacteria often results in that sufferers avoid contact with doorknobs, public toilets, public phones and money as well as the use of public transport and shaking hands compulsively. In extreme cases, they do not leave their own home. The actual or perceived contact with dirt or germs can trigger feelings of panic. With various purification rituals and the use of disinfectants is trying to prevent a feared infection. However, the purification ceremonies alleviate the infection anxiety only temporarily.

A pronounced mysophobia requires treatment. Be used both behavioral therapy and talk therapy. A well-known person concerned was the American multi-millionaire Howard Hughes.

Trigger this phobia is According to experts, often a personal crisis, excessive confrontation with dirt or contagion. Ritual compulsions should help to get a subjectively experienced as uncontrollable situation back under control.

• Phobic disorder
• Mental disorder