Ablutophobia
The excessive dread of bathing, cleaning, or washing is known as ablutophobia. It is a type of anxiety illness classified as a particular phobia. Specific phobias are unreasonable worries that are focused on a specific scenario. They may cause havoc in your life. Specific phobias afflict an estimated 19.2 million individuals in the United States, according to Trusted Source. Specific phobias have similar symptoms, causes, and treatments. Women and children are more prone to ablutophobia than males.
The symptoms of ablutophobia are similar to those of other particular phobias. When bathing or washing, symptoms may appear. They can also happen just by thinking about them. Among the symptoms are:
- intense fear or anxiety that increases the closer you get to the situation
- panic attacks
- knowing that your fear is irrational but unable to stop it
- avoidance of bathing or washing to avoid the fear and anxiety
- the fear interfering with your daily life
- sweating
- rapid heartbeat
- difficulty breathing
- in children, clinging, crying, or tantrums
Consult your health care physician if you suspect you have ablutophobia. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you have a physical injury or sickness that is causing your ablutophobia. If your doctor concludes that you have an anxiety condition, he or she will refer you to a mental health specialist. A clinical interview will be conducted by the mental health expert. They will inquire about your medical and psychological history, as well as your social and familial background. They will employ diagnostic criteria to reach a final diagnosis during this interview.
