Ablutophobia, the Irrational Fear of Bathing

Ablutophobia, or fear of bathing, manifests itself as an irrational and protracted fear that may seriously impair an individual’s every day life.

While a shower could be very relaxing for some people, it could possibly be torture for others. This is named “ablutophobia” or irrational fear of bathing a rare – but serious – phobia that may affect the way in which an individual goes about their every day lives.

It is commonest in women and youngsters, although it could possibly also affect men. In addition, it’s included within the subcategory of specific phobias, which in turn correspond to an anxiety disorder. How does it manifest? What is his treatment? In the space below, we tackle these questions.

What is ablutophobia?

Ablutophobia is a form of specific phobia where people experience an irrational fear of bathing, washing or cleansing. How publication in Lancet Psychiatry explain, this sort of phobia involves each fear and avoidance.

In this particular case, victims experience excessive fear, anxiety, panic or restlessness about having to wash or wash. They even find it overwhelming just desirous about it. In turn, they might feel anxious on the sight of soaps, sponges, towels or anything that’s related to a shower.

And while avoidance becomes a solution to reduce the severity of distress, it shouldn’t be the perfect option. Bathing is a necessary habit, not just for hygienic and social reasons, but additionally for health reasons. Refusing to take a shower can result in the event of infectious diseases and skin diseases.

It ought to be noted that children commonly dislike baths. However, that is different from a phobia. At this time, to be classified as ablutophobia, the American Psychiatric Association specifies that symptoms must persist for greater than six months.

accompanying symptoms

Ablutophobia has common symptoms phobias normally, apart from the undeniable fact that its peculiarity is the rejection to the lavatory. Fear-related symptoms involve activation of the sympathetic nervous system. They include:

• Exploitation
• Tachycardia
• Accelerated respiratory
• Increased blood pressure
• Tremors
• headaches
• Some people may even have panic attacks

In addition to the above, it’s price mentioning some specific behaviors of individuals experiencing fear of bathing. It is common for them to make use of large amounts of perfume and avoid being near others. They may additionally chew gum excessively.

What could cause this?

The origin of phobias – and on this particular case of ablutophobia – could be varied. This is why,it is necessary to work with the patient to reconstruct the history and onset of symptoms.

For example, it might be related to some trauma attributable to one’s own accident (direct negative experience), reminiscent of drowning. It will also be resulting from an external experience, reminiscent of hearing or witnessing a tragic event, reminiscent of falling into a tub, an accident within the water, etc.

Badó (2009) also mentions a 3rd mode that has to do with the transmission of threatening information in relation to the article of the phobia. However, it’s the least effective in the event of phobias.

some research suggests that genetic elements are also involved, because it is more prone to coincide with a selected phobia in a family where a number of members already experience it.

Possible complications

In principle, it’s convenient to elucidate this not all phobias are treated because not all of them affect people’s lives in the identical way.

Those who are suffering from arachnophobia (to spiders) are actually less affected than those who are suffering from agoraphobia. And not because their discomfort is less necessary, but due to the area affected and the likelihood of contact with the phobia trigger.

In the case of ablutophobia, since personal hygiene is directly affected, complications occur in all areas of life. Initially on a social and interpersonal level as body image and hygiene are considered a letter of suggestion.

Then on the health level, because lack of non-public hygiene promotes the spread of viruses, bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms. There is an increased risk of skin infections, digestive problems, respiratory problems, hair problems, amongst others.

Available treatments for ablutophobia

Note that not all individuals with ablutophobia are aware that they’ve this phobia. Many people may decide to isolate or avoidance behavior before in search of help. However, this can be a condition that should be addressed with psychotherapy.

In this case, Cognitive behavioral therapy has produced good results. Experts often recommend techniques reminiscent of systematic desensitization. It involves gradual exposure to the stimulus or phobic object.

In an environment that permits for a gradual approach to the source of the phobia, the patient can face their fear with the tools crucial to cope with it.

And because phobias could be learned, you furthermore may need to deal with cognitive biases about what people think might occur to them. This is to maneuver to cognitive restructuring. Thanks to this system the goal is for the patient to discover thoughts which are maladaptive to exchange them with more suitable ones.

Progressive muscle leisure, through a game of muscle tension-relaxation, can be a part of the initial treatment sessions.

Fear is adaptive, phobia shouldn’t be

In conclusion, we are able to return to the start line; phobias involve intense and excessive fear. Considering when fear stops being just fear and becomes a phobiait is necessary to think about how unsuitable it’s and the way much it limits us.

Fear is a basic emotion and as such is adaptive. It allows us to flee from situations that annoy us. However, when it gets uncontrolled, despite our greatest efforts, we’re unable to manage it and consider it irrational, we speak about a phobia.

Not all phobias have the identical probability of disturbing us, but in the event that they get in the way in which of your routine – as is the case with ablutophobia – it is best to hunt skilled help.

Maybe it should interest you…