By: Jennifer Dubose
What is Mysophobia [The Fear of Germs]?
Mysophobia (pronounced [mee-soh-fo-bee-ah]) is a fear of germs, being infected by a pathogen, or becoming contaminated or unclean. Also referred to as Germophobia, Bacillophobia, or Bacteriophobia. In the DSM-5 it’s often classified under “Specific Phobia” (300.29), requiring at least 3 of: duration of 6+ months, an excessive reaction, an immediate anxiety response to a trigger, extreme avoidance, and impaired ability to function.
Are You a Germaphobe? Symptoms
- Feeling compelled to wash hands repeatedly and excessively
- Meticulous, immaculate, repeated cleaning of the surrounding environment
- Inability to shake hands, hug, or otherwise engage in physical contact
- Avoidance of heavily populated public places; refusal to leave home
- Refusal to go anywhere germs may be prevalent — including a clinic or hospital for necessary medical attention
- Inability to focus on tasks due to overwhelming thoughts about germs
What Causes Mysophobia?
Dealing with Illness
A history of illness tied to a virus, bacteria, or fungus — or conditions like severe allergies, immune disease, or bone marrow/organ transplants requiring strict avoidance of germs — can leave someone obsessed with protecting themselves at all costs, which can develop into a phobia.
Misunderstanding Microbes
The human body contains trillions of microorganisms (the “Human Microbiome”), outnumbering human cells roughly 10 to 1. Many of these microbes are essential — helping digest food, producing vitamins we can’t make ourselves, training the immune system to recognize dangerous invaders, and producing anti-inflammatory compounds. A lack of understanding of this symbiotic relationship is one reason fear develops.
The Coronavirus: How Global Pandemics Impact Us
Global pandemics like COVID-19 amplify germ-related fear broadly, as viruses are difficult to treat and constantly mutate. (See self-help section below for coping strategies.)
The Connection Between Mysophobia and OCD
The DSM-5 ties OCD to recurrent, intrusive, unwanted thoughts causing marked anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 19 million adults (8.7% of the US population) deal with a specific phobia, often associated with OCD, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. Women are affected twice as often as men, with average onset around age 7.
Notable examples in pop culture: TV detective Adrian Monk (extreme OCD/mysophobia) and Howie Mandel, who is openly a germaphobe.
How to Overcome Your Fear of Germs
Self-Help Treatment
Learn the Facts — Use reputable sources (like CDC.gov) rather than media coverage. Useful facts to internalize:
- Hand sanitizer isn’t as effective as soap and water
- Gloves only help if you use a fresh pair after each contact with a new object
- Masks are largely ineffective unless the sick person is also wearing one — save these for frontline medical professionals
- Reasonable precautions and social distancing meaningfully lower exposure without requiring constant vigilance
Meditation and Relaxation — Techniques like meditation, calming music, journaling, or spending time with a pet can help refocus on facts rather than anxious feelings. Building this into a daily routine helps ground you in reality.
Professional Treatment Options
Medication — A medical professional may recommend antidepressants such as SSRIs to help manage anxiety symptoms.
Therapy Modalities — Medication is most effective paired with therapy that addresses root causes — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy are the most targeted approaches. Reach out to a local mental health professional specializing in phobias, or consider online therapy.
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