What is the syndrome of washing hands?

Author: Wilber Harvey  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

OCD often centers around certain themes, such as being overly fearful of getting contaminated by germs. To ease contamination fears, you may wash your hands over and over again until they're sore and chapped. If you have OCD , you may be ashamed, embarrassed and frustrated about the condition.

What mental disorder is washing hands?

OCD is a common disorder that has an estimated worldwide lifetime prevalence of 2% in the general population [1]. Approximately 16% of all patients with OCD suffer from some form of washing compulsion, which is manifested by frequent long and ritualised compulsive hand washings up to 50–100 times daily [2].

Why do I feel the need to constantly wash my hands?

Compulsions are certain behaviors that you have the urge to repeat over and over. Repetitive hand washing is one of the most common manifestations of OCD. People with OCD have thoughts and fears that compel them to perform repetitive actions. These actions help them deal with those fears.

What are the four types of OCD?

While OCD may manifest differently for each person, it can generally be categorized into four major types: Checking OCD, Contamination OCD, Symmetry and Ordering OCD, and Ruminations and Intrusive Thoughts OCD.

What is the fear of washing hands called?

Mysophobia (Germophobia) Mysophobia is an extreme fear of germs. You may go out of your way to avoid situations that expose you to germs. The phobia and steps you take to avoid it worsen over time.

The Routine: Getting To School With OCD

What is mysophobia syndrome?

Mysophobia is a fear of germs and bacteria. It is commonly called germaphobia. People with mysophobia may avoid contact with anything that could be contaminated, which might include other people as well as objects.

What is Haphephobia?

What is haphephobia? Haphephobia (haf-uh-FOE-bee-uh) is an intense, overwhelming fear of being touched. Many people don't like being touched by strangers. But haphephobia is significant distress over being touched by anyone, even family or friends. For some people, the fear is specific to touch by people of one gender.

What is the rarest form of OCD?

The Five Least Common Types of OCD
  • Harm OCD. This subtype of OCD involves intrusive thoughts of harming others or committing some sort of violent act. ...
  • Sexual Orientation Fixations. ...
  • Pedophilia OCD. ...
  • Scrupulosity or Religious OCD. ...
  • Postpartum OCD.

What are the three C's of OCD?

If not you can encourage them to consciously decide to practice thinking more accurate and healthful substitutes each time the negative habitual ones creep in. Some clients may be familiar with the “3 C's” which is a formalized process for doing both the above techniques (Catch it, Check it, Change it).

What not to tell someone with OCD?

5 things not to say to someone with OCD
  • “Relax” or “stop worrying so much.”
  • “It's all in your head.”
  • “I'm a little OCD too.”
  • “You don't look like you have OCD.”
  • “Why can't you stop?”

How do I stop compulsive hand washing?

Whether you're dealing with an illness anxiety disorder, a specific phobia, or OCD, exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is the most effective treatment. In ERP therapy, you'll be slowly exposed to situations that trigger your fears, and taught how to resist your compulsions.

Why do adults not wash their hands?

From a person's style of thinking to their degree of delusional optimism, the need to feel “normal” and the potency of their feelings of disgust, a number of psychological factors are subliminally discouraging people from washing their hands.

How to fix overwashed hands?

Use a balm treatment

If you're prone to very dry skin, you can skip the lotion and go straight to a good, thick moisturizer. You want to look for a cream, balm or ointment — something that's thick and a little bit hard to spread that will provide more moisture to your skin.

Why do I feel like I need to wash my hands all the time?

Contamination OCD, a specific subtype, develops in an excessive fear of germs and contamination. People with contamination OCD may have intrusive thoughts about getting sick or spreading germs. These thoughts force them to engage in repetitive cleaning and hygiene rituals, often including excessive hand washing.

Who is the most famous person with OCD?

Celebrities that struggled with OCD
  • David Beckham. One of the most excellent soccer stars David Beckham has recently in an interview opened up about his fight with OCD. ...
  • Justin Timberlake. ...
  • Frank Sinatra. ...
  • Howard Hughes. ...
  • Howard Stern.

What is the hardest type of OCD to treat?

What is the hardest type of OCD to treat?
  • Tic-Related OCD This subtype includes both intrusive thoughts and tic-like behaviors. ...
  • Hoarding OCD: Characterized by excessive accumulation and difficulty discarding items, this subtype is often resistant to standard treatments like SSRIs and CBT.

What are the 4 Rs in OCD?

The 4 R's for OCD Management

Recognition: Identifying obsessions and compulsions. Relabeling: Acknowledging these as symptoms of OCD, not reality. Refocusing: Redirecting attention elsewhere. Revaluation: Understanding the thoughts and behaviors as insignificant.

What are 2 Behavioural characteristics of OCD?

Common types of compulsive behaviour in people with OCD include: cleaning and hand washing. checking – such as checking doors are locked or that the gas is off. counting.

What is OCD commonly mistaken for?

There are a variety of conditions that have obsessive compulsive disorder qualities that are quite similar to OCD such as PANDAS, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), hoarding disorder, trichotillomania, compulsive skin picking, hypochondria, and olfactory reference syndrome.

What bothers OCD people?

These thoughts trigger distress, cause anxiety, and are usually focused on one or more specific themes. For example, someone with OCD may have intrusive thoughts about germs and infections that cause them to worry about catching an illness. These thoughts and compulsions are disruptive and disturbing.

What are OCD rituals before bed?

Certain rituals, such as checking, counting, or repeating actions, may increase before bedtime, often prolonging a bedtime routine and delaying sleep. Additionally, the urge to perform compulsions throughout the night can disrupt sleep continuity, resulting in fragmented and non-restorative sleep .

What is tomophobia?

Introduction. Tomophobia refers to fear or anxiety caused by forthcoming surgical procedures and/or medical interventions.

What is phasmophobia?

Phasmophobia is an extreme fear of ghosts or the supernatural. It may cause people to feel intense anxiety or dread in certain situations, such as at nighttime or in the dark.

What is the rarest phobia ever?

What Are the Rarest Phobias?
  • Fear of Walking.
  • Fear of Vomiting.
  • Fear of Peanut Butter.
  • Fear of Mirrors.
  • Fear of Making Decisions.
  • Fear of Long Words.
  • Fear of Chewing Gum.
  • Fear of Phobias.

Previous article
Can I use ADT after cancellation?
Next article
How much drywall do I need for a 2 car garage?