Ablutophobia
Encyclopedia
Ablutophobia is the persistent, abnormal and unwarranted fear
of bathing
, washing
, or cleaning. This phobia is a situational specific phobia
. Ablutophobia tends to be more common in children and women than in men.
Its symptoms and treatment are basically the same as for most specific phobias
Fear
Fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of danger...
of bathing
Bathing
Bathing is the washing or cleansing of the body in a fluid, usually water or an aqueous solution. It may be practised for personal hygiene, religious ritual or therapeutic purposes or as a recreational activity....
, washing
Washing
Washing is one way of cleaning, namely with water and often some kind of soap or detergent. Washing is an essential part of good hygiene and health....
, or cleaning. This phobia is a situational specific phobia
Specific phobia
A specific phobia is a generic term for any kind of anxiety disorder that amounts to an unreasonable or irrational fear related to exposure to specific objects or situations...
. Ablutophobia tends to be more common in children and women than in men.
Its symptoms and treatment are basically the same as for most specific phobias