Germophobia Vs. Healthy Precautions Against Germs

Compulsion To Carry Out Specific Routines

As stated, not everyone who is a germaphobe has obsessive-compulsive disorder. But when it comes to germophobia, a compulsion to carry out specific routines can indicate the presence of this condition. Examples of such routines include extreme hand washing and showering, not allowing certain foods in the house for fear of food poisoning, handling certain items with gloves, and spending hours every day bleaching the house. Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder might have strained relationships due to it. They often cannot go out into public because of these routines, and even relationships at home can be impacted. When an individual's quality of life has been diminished due to germophobia, it is time to seek help from a mental health professional because the problem might run deeper than simply germophobia.