Bathing, washing and cleaning are a part of our daily chores. But, some people may refrain from doing so. Yes! You have heard it right. Maneka Chawla (name changed) had slipped over a rock while on a pilgrimage to Nashik at the Godavri river. She fell into the rapids and almost drowned but was luckily saved by an ace swimmer who was picnicking by the riverside. But, for almost eight months, she kept away from having a shower bath or getting her feet into water, be it a swimming pool or a beach (due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). With help of counseling and treatment by a psychiatrist, she was back to her smiling self again. Often, this may be seen as a symptom of larger psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia (as a part of a delusion) or obsessive compulsive disorder (as part of an obsession). Hence, it is important to understand that if symptoms arise, and cause distress to the person and to those around them, it is time to seek help.
Read:Nomophobia: Do you have the fear of being without your phone?
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by persistent, irrational, excessive fears of an object or situation; present for more than six months, causing deep distress to the con concerned person concerned, explains Dr Fabian Almeida, Psychiatrist and Counsellor, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan. While many people suffer from different types of phobia ablutophobia is uncommon.
As per Dr Fabian Almeida,The term Ablutophobia originates from the Latin word ablutere , meaning to wash off. This is abnormal, unwarranted and repetitive fear orbiting, washing or cleaning. It is rather uncommon, but when seen, it is more likely to be present in women and children. It is a situation specific phobia. We tend to see it more as a complex symptom of some other larger psychiatric disorder, rather than a stand-alone entity. Dr Fabian Almeida lists out symptoms, causes and treatment to fight the fear.
Symptoms:
Read:Coffee bubble phobia why do some people have this phobia?
Causes:
How to overcome it:
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