Ablutophobia is a unique type of phobia, what is it?

Maybe you have often heard of people with phobias with dark or a phobia of heights. It just happened, maybe because the dark conditions and the altitude could threaten their lives. But did you know that there are people who have a phobia about taking a shower and cleaning themselves?

Ablutophobia is the phobia of the fear of bathing

Ablutophobia is a phobia that causes a person to be afraid to shower, wash, or clean himself. This condition can occur in children or adults and is more common in women than men.

People with this phobia know that their fear doesn't make sense, but they also have a hard time overcoming it. On the contrary, they try very hard to avoid what scares them. For example avoiding water, soap, or even the bathroom.

What are the symptoms of ablutophobia?

Ablutophobia is a phobia that has the same symptoms as most other phobias and can appear when exposed to water, soap, and bathrooms. Even just imagining a shower or washing your face, people with ablutophobia can experience:

• Fear and anxiety
• Panic attack
• In fact, avoid showering or washing to avoid fear and anxiety
• Sweating
• The heart beats fast
• Difficulty breathing
• Children may not want to be away from their parents, cry and even tantrums

What caused it?

Ablutophobia is a phobia whose cause is not understood. However, the common causes of this phobia usually fall into one of the following three categories:

• Negative experiences. Have had some kind of traumatic experience that involved showering or washing.
• Genetics. You are likely to have ablutophobia if one of your parents has it.
• Changes in brain function. Can be caused by injury, increasing age, and other things.

Complications of ablutophobia

People who avoid showering because of ablutophobia can get into trouble at work or school. It is even possible that a person with ablutophobia may become socially isolated and eventually become depressed.

Children with ablutophobia can also be at risk bullying who are larger, especially as they approach their teenage years. Additionally, it is possible for people with ablutophobia to try to overcome their fears by using drugs or alcohol.

How to deal with ablutophobia?

Often times, ablutophobia is not treated because people who have it believe that there is no cure. However, there are actually quite effective treatments to overcome their fear of bathing. What are they?

The first type of treatment is psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a treatment that uses exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In this exposure therapy, later you are faced with your own fear of bathing or washing. During this time you will also learn to manage your feelings and anxieties on a recurring basis.

Meanwhile, cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT can be combined with exposure therapy. When you encounter a shower, you will learn a technique that can help change your view of bathing while reducing your anxiety and fear.

Psychotherapy is usually the most successful in treating ablutophobia. However, in some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce your fear and anxiety.

Medicines are usually used as short-term treatment with psychotherapy. Medicines that can be used to treat ablutophobia include beta-blockers and sedatives.

Apart from using therapy, your doctor may also recommend some lifestyle changes or home treatments. These treatments may include:

• Calmness and mindfulness exercises such as meditation
• Doing relaxation techniques, such as yoga and deep breathing
• Increase physical activity that can help reduce stress and anxiety such as exercise