Mysophobia

Mysophobia, also known as verminophobia, germophobia, germaphobia, bacillophobia and bacteriophobia, is a pathological fear of contamination and germs.^[1] It is classified as a type of specific phobia, meaning it is evaluated and diagnosed based on the experience of high levels of fear and anxiety beyond what is reasonable when exposed to or in anticipation of exposure to stimuli related to the particular concept (in this case germs or contamination).^[2] William A. Hammond first coined the term in 1879 when describing a case of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) exhibited in repeatedly washing one's hands.^[3]

Common symptoms associated with mysophobia include abnormal behaviours such as excessive handwashing, wearing gloves or covering commonly used items to prevent contamination (without due reason), and avoiding social interaction or public spaces to avoid exposure to germs. Physical symptoms include common symptoms of anxiety such as light-headedness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and/or shaking in the presence of germs/contamination.^[1]

Like many specific phobias, the exact causes of mysophobia are unknown. Both genetic and environmental factors may play a role.^[1] The classical conditioning model posits that specific phobias are formed when an otherwise neutral event occurs simultaneously with a traumatic one, creating a long-term emotional association between the neutral subject and negative emotions, including fear and anxiety.^[2] Research has demonstrated an association between mysophobia and diagnosis of other mental disorders.^{[4][medical citation needed]} Other research has suggested that mysophobia is associated with poor understanding of microbes and a lack of time spent in nature.^[5]

Treatment options for mysophobia include therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to gain control on the thought processes regarding the phobia, and exposure therapy which involves repeatedly exposing the patient to the specific object of the phobia to habituate them and relieve anxiety.^[1] Pharmaceutical treatment options include the prescription of beta blockers and benzodiazepines to mitigate phobia-related panic attacks.^[2]