Mysophobia, also commonly known as germophobia, is an intense fear of dirt and germs.
Although they may be aware that their fear is irrational, they feel powerless to control it.
Examples include:
There is also evidence of a genetic link as specific phobias tend to run in families.
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Comorbid Conditions
Mysophobia commonly co-occurs with a host of other mental disorders, known ascomorbidities.
These may occur independently of mysophobia or be the cause or effect of each other.
Treatment
The treatment of mysophobia can vary based on the severity of symptoms.
Generally,psychotherapy (talk therapy)is the first-line approach.
Summary
Mysophobia is the persistent and irrational fear of dirt and germs.
People with mysophobia feel extreme distress when they think about or are faced with the prospect of germs.
If diagnosed, mysophobia can be treated with exposure therapy and possibly antidepressants.
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