How to Diagnose Germaphobia

When a person suffers from a phobia, he develops a fear of a certain type of person, place or thing. In cases of germaphobia, or mysophobia, the person pathologically fears the idea of infection through touching bacteria and contaminants. If you suspect germaphobia, you should attempt to reach a diagnosis in order to determine whether you should get outside help for the disorder.

Instructions

1. Gauge your reaction when you come in contact with possible germs or dirt. You may develop a physical response due to the germaphobia. Patients often complain of nausea, rapid heartbeat and breathlessness when near any possible contaminants.

2. Determine whether you wash excessively. Germaphobes typically spend a good portion of their day washing their body, especially their hands.

3. Note any social abnormalities. Due to the patient's fear of contamination, she may refuse to share any personal items or use any public restrooms. Germaphobes typically don't share food, utensils, toothbrushes or other items. As the condition worsens, the patient may refuse to touch others or use doorknobs.

4. Visit a psychiatrist about the possibility of germaphobia. Discuss openly any anxiety you feel when coming into contact with anything that may pass on germs. Your doctor will evaluate your fears and diagnose the germaphobia.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't assume you have germaphobia due to normal sanitary practices. Germaphobes suffer from a form of obsessive compulsive behavior.

• Don't force a person suspected of germaphobia to touch or eat anything he feels uncomfortable with. Leave the therapy up to the person's psychiatrist or family doctor.