Mysophobia is the pathological fear of contact with dirt to avoid germs and contamination. A person suffering from mysophobia is often referred to as a mysophobe. The fear of germs is sometimes referred to as germaphobia, germophobia, bacillophobia, or bacteriophobia. A mysophobe overestimates the risk of being harmed by germs and believes that any potential exposure can be harmful and threatening. There are many reasons for mysophobia. Studies show that the growing incidence of pollution-related sicknesses and media coverage of the AIDS epidemic are contributing factors. In addition, the prevalence of hygiene products--hand sanitizers, disposable toilet seat covers, and portable subway straps--on the market is also believed to have contributed to the rise of mysophobia. Causes of Mysophobia The causes of mysophobia include:

• A traumatic experience (first-hand or second-hand) that links germs or dirt with a negative emotional response
• A seemingly benign situation such as a scene from a television show or film
• A preexisting tendency to worry that has been compounded by current happenings
• Anxiety and depression that run in the family

Symptoms of Mysophobia Here are symptoms of mysophobia. Remember that these things manifest upon exposure to germs or dirt:

• Breathlessness
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Fear of loss of control
• Feeling ill
• Shaking
• Avoiding situations in which the sufferer may be exposed to germs or dirt
• Repeated and unreasonable behavior and actions

Among these repeated and unreasonable behavior and actions, some of the most common things mysophobes do include:

• Avoiding activities that are considered unclean by the individual, such as using public bathrooms
• Excessive washing or repeated hand washing (paradoxically, an action that makes the individual more prone to infection)
• Avoiding social gatherings that would involve a close group of people or animals
• Declaring the desire not to share personal items, such as utensils, food, and clothing

Effects of Mysophobia The fear of germs can become increasingly restrictive that you may refuse to shake hands, avoid touching doorknobs directly, or use excessive amounts of soap or hand sanitizer. Having such condition can also limit your capability to establish human interaction, which can lead to social isolation, professional indifference, and business indecision. Mysophobia can have severe social repercussions. Since you are terrified of contamination, you may act different in public places. People who may not have an inkling of what you are going through may perceive you as paranoid and hostile and this may eventually lead to alienation and isolation. Treatment for Mysophobia There are several treatments for such conditions, and if followed properly, these can have long-term benefits on the quality of your life. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The safest and most effective treatments are the same techniques used for curing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other types of phobias, which all involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. With CBT, the doctor guides you through a series of gradual exposure to items and situations you fear. Early sessions of therapy may involve you taking the initiave to shake someone's hand without washing for a couple of minutes. This will allow you to face the fear head-on. As you learn to master the fear, the therapist will guide you through more intense exposures, like shaking the hands of hospital patients or touching garbage. This type of treatment is proven effective and if properly administered, works after just a few months. Prescription Medicine. If you do not want to expose yourself to your fears physically, you may want to consider medication. It is an effective option that involves the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drugs, such as Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil. These can cure depression, anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders. Medication can also be taken as part of CBT; however, such medications can have unwanted side effects. Other treatments have positive results on mysophobes. Since these methods are not proven by the scientific community, CBT and prescribed medication should be first and second options before anything else. Here are a few possible options if CBT and medication do not work: Hypnotherapy. It helps to rework your subconscious “programs” that are part of your fear. When the programs are “reconfigured”, the symptoms of the phobia are often minimized. Be aware of the level of control you are about to relinquish. The doctor will probably play with your mind and you may be totally vulnerable, mentally and emotionally. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). This method involves the study and practice of how we create our reality. From the NLP point of view, a condition such as mysophobia is the result of personal programs that you have created that turned out negative. With this method, these programs are revealed and re-programmed to minimize or even eliminate the phobia. Energy Psychology. This is an emerging, though unproven, therapy for fears and phobias. Based on studies, the method is rapid, safe, effective, and long-lasting. It is similar to acupuncture in terms of fundamental principles, except there are no needles involved. Some refer to it as emotional acupuncture. You may want to ask around regarding this procedure and do research on your own as well. Herbal Medicine. Though herbal medicine is not supported by the scientific community to some extent, this type of medication is believed to be helpful and effective. Considering its organic formula, it does not have side effects that indicate a red flag. It can be particularly beneficial if you suffer from emotional and psychological disorders, such as anxiety and various phobias. Overall, there are various treatments available for you to choose from. The important thing is that you have sufficient knowledge about the treatment before undergoing any of them. Be sure to do research and consult an expert regarding such matters. Do not let this fear ruin your life. Act on it now!