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Information for Individuals

Fear of Contamination

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Read the article: Stronger Than Dirt - OCD and Contamination

A fear of contamination and germs can include obsessional fears about:

Touching surfaces (in public places or at home) that may be thought to have germs on them
Touching others or being touched by others or animals
Being coughed or sneezed on by others or being in a public place or a vehicle where this could occur (such as in a carpool, bus or airplane)
Contaminating others by touching them
Wearing clothing that has come in contact with germs

Some OCD compulsions that are commonly seen with contamination obsessions are:

Washing and cleaning, such as excessive house cleaning, repeated hand washing, showering or bathing
Avoiding public places or public transportation
Avoiding being touched by others or touching others
Frequently changing clothing or even throwing away clothing that is considered “contaminated.”
Avoiding certain rooms in the home that are thought to be contaminated.

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Symptoms

Expert Perspectives

How Brad Overcame Compulsive Checking

People with checking compulsions share an exaggerated fear of uncertainty that makes them doubt their abilities to perform ordinary tasks of daily living correctly or avoid making social blunders. Being unsure of themselves, they’re constantly beset by thoughts and feelings of being irresponsible, careless, and seriously messing up that cause disasters that incite blame and scorn from others. Ironically, their negative self-assessments are actually directly opposite of their true character.