Fear of Germs and Covid-19
Mysophobia is an extreme fear of germs. Also known as ‘Germaphobia’. You may go out of your way to avoid situations that expose you to germs. The phobia and steps you take to avoid it worsen over time. You may find yourself stuck in a cycle of repetitive behaviours that affect your quality of life, similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Given germs can make us ill, is there a logical basis for the condition?
There are “good” and “bad” germs which need to co-exist in order for our immune system to work effectively. We also need to be exposed to “bad germs” from our early years in order for us to develop a strong immune system. The human immune system is therefore resilient against germs. That said, there are reasonable steps we need to take to maintain good health personally and as a community. While there are clearly times and places when we need to be more attuned to maintaining healthy practices with respect to infection (such as when handling food, in a hospital, or during specific outbreaks such as flu season), it is a balancing act. We should not be alarmed or overly fearful, nor should we go overboard with preventative and reactive measures.
Has it increased in prevalence in recent years?
It’s hard to know whether germaphobia has increased over the years. We know that it has peaked at various times, such as when there has been widespread reporting of AIDS, Bird Flu, Ebola and Zika virus outbreaks. Once these outbreaks subside, so does the reporting of germaphobia.
Are there common causes that can trigger it?
A range of genetic and psychological factors, as well as life experiences, influence its onset. A predisposition to be sensitive to threat increases the chances of developing germaphobia. A family history of OCD or anxiety disorders or an upbringing overly focused on germs and washing/cleaning or with a history of health problems also increases the chances. Overestimating the probability of danger and the likely severity of dangerous outcomes eventuating, preserving the need for perfection and one’s intolerance for uncertainty, as well as having an overinflated sense of personal responsibility for preventing harm will all increase a person’s propensity for germaphobia.
Do you think the promotion of antibacterial products can exacerbate incidence of germaphobia?
Yes. There are instances where antibacterial products are required such as in hospitals and food management and where their reasonable use can be advantageous. But scare campaigns that encourage the overuse of such products are of detriment to individuals and the community. For instance, the increased prevalence of allergies and asthma has been linked to widespread use of antibacterial products by parents.
Is it still possible to be a germaphobe and be filthy?
With human nature, everything is possible. So, yes, it is possible to be germaphobic and live in unkempt surroundings, especially in cases where people are extremely avoidant. I have seen a number of cases of people who live in squalid conditions, presenting with Hoarding Disorder and OCD characterised by contamination fears.
How can people overcome it?
Germaphobia – like OCD – is treatable with psychological treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). The basis of CBT is gradual exposure to feared situations and anxiety management strategies such as relaxation and breathing techniques.
More recently, mindfulness-based cognitive approaches, acceptance and commitment and narrative techniques have also been incorporated into more traditional CBT, although the evidence-base for such approaches is immature. CBT can be combined with psychotropic medications, usually serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of OCD and ‘germaphobia’, but generally people with germaphobia benefit from psychological therapy to question their beliefs about the severity and likelihood of contamination and the possible outcomes of it.
