Germophobia Vs. Healthy Precautions Against Germs

Germophobia, also known as mysophobia, verminophobia, and bacillophobia, is a pathological fear of germs and bacteria. Individuals with germophobia feel compelled to excessively wash their hands and obsessively take precautions against contamination. Germophobia is most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and individuals with this anxiety disorder have a compulsion to carry out specific routines. However, patients with germophobia do not necessarily have OCD. While germophobia is an example of germs putting limitations on activities, it is important to take healthy precautions against germs without going to extreme measures.