germophobia
Fear of microbes
Germophobia is an intense fear of germs, contamination, or uncleanliness.
The term covers both clinical anxiety disorders involving obsessive hand-washing or avoidance behaviors and casual usage for anyone unusually concerned about hygiene: Her germophobia makes her wipe down every surface before sitting.
Also spelled germaphobia.
Scrubbing with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
- soapFatty alkali cleanser
scrubbing · wiping · bleach · alcohol · sterilization · decontamination · washing · rinsing
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- germsMicroscopic disease agents
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
- microbesMicroscopic living organisms
infection · contagion · disease · parasites · fungi · spores · biohazard · transmission
Hand coverings with fingers
- masksFace-covering disguises
- hand sanitizerWaterless palm cleanser
- barriersThings blocking access
- N95Particle-filtering face mask
face shields · isolation · quarantine · social distancing · PPE · antimicrobial · immune system · prevention
Ceremonial repeated practices
- repetitiveMarked by recurrence
- checkingAct of verification
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
- perfectionismCompulsive pursuit of flawlessness
fixation · intrusive thoughts · obsessive · preoccupation · control · meticulousness · excessive · compulsive
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- worryTroubled mental state
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- nervousnessState of anxious unease
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
apprehension · hypervigilance · distress · unease · trepidation · agitation · overthinking · catastrophizing
Compulsive repetition disorder
- therapyCurative mental treatment
- CBTPsychological treatment abbreviation
- exposure therapyAnxiety treatment through confrontation
- psychiatristMental disorder physician
diagnosis · treatment · medication · SSRI · mental health · disorder · irrational fear · cognitive distortion
Mutual palm grips
- public toiletsShared sanitation facilities
- doorknobsRotating latching mechanisms
- handrailsBars for gripping while walking
- buffetsHits again and again
public transit · crowds · hospitals · raw meat · money · shopping carts · phones · keyboards
hand-washing
Scrubbing with soap
- sanitizerAgent that reduces microbes
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
soap · scrubbing · wiping · bleach · alcohol · sterilization · decontamination · washing · rinsing · spraying
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- virusesSubmicroscopic infectious particles
- germsMicroscopic disease agents
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
microbes · infection · contagion · disease · parasites · fungi · spores · biohazard · transmission · cross-contamination
gloves
Hand coverings with fingers
- masksFace-covering disguises
- hand sanitizerWaterless palm cleanser
- barriersThings blocking access
N95 · face shields · isolation · quarantine · social distancing · PPE · antimicrobial · immune system · prevention · precautions
rituals
Ceremonial repeated practices
- repetitiveMarked by recurrence
- checkingAct of verification
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
perfectionism · fixation · intrusive thoughts · obsessive · preoccupation · control · meticulousness · excessive · compulsive · incessant
panic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- worryTroubled mental state
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- nervousnessState of anxious unease
dread · apprehension · hypervigilance · distress · unease · trepidation · agitation · overthinking · catastrophizing · avoidance
OCD
Compulsive repetition disorder
- therapyCurative mental treatment
- CBTPsychological treatment abbreviation
- exposure therapyAnxiety treatment through confrontation
psychiatrist · diagnosis · treatment · medication · SSRI · mental health · disorder · irrational fear · cognitive distortion · psychologist
handshakes
Mutual palm grips
- public toiletsShared sanitation facilities
- doorknobsRotating latching mechanisms
- handrailsBars for gripping while walking
buffets · public transit · crowds · hospitals · raw meat · money · shopping carts · phones · keyboards · restaurants
- OCDOCD, obsession, obsessions, compulsion, compulsions
germophobiauncleanliness
State of being soiled
slovenliness · dirtiness · filthiness · squalor · poor hygiene
germophobiarecklessness
Careless disregard for danger