What are the symptoms of ablutophobia and Treatment ?

Ablutophobia, also known as the fear of swimming, is an not common but serious fear that is more prevalent among both children and women.

Yes, a lot of children clearly dislike baths, but a fear is distinct. If your doctor adheres to the latest American Psychiatric Association guidelines, she’s unlikely to issue an ablutophobia diagnosis , unless the excessive overestimation of risk persists for more than 6 months.

Ablutophobia, just like other fears is an anxiety-related disorder. It’s clinically termed a particular phobia, which is an overly or unfounded fear of a particular object or circumstance. ¹ It may manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from a fear of showering, to a total fear of washing.

Causes of Ablutophobia

Like other phobias with specifics it is a traumatizing past experience that is usually the trigger for ablutophobia. You might not recall the event. ² How did you become ablutophobic?

• A traumatizing past experience could be something that happened to you, your family member or someone who was in TV or film. For instance many horror film enthusiasts have claimed to be afflicted with an aversion to showering after watching Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.”
• The anxiety disorder may be a result of other people’s fears. If your parent or close family member had the same fears then you may have taken on the person’s fears during your childhood.
• Many children try to avoid bath time, either because of fear or simply desire. It’s probable that you grew up with this dislike could have continued to your adult life.

Complications of Ablutophobia

Hygiene and cleanliness are some of the main priorities of the present day world. Failure to shower regularly can make you appear and appear “unclean,” which is typically viewed as unacceptably. If you don’t wash your clothes regularly, it can lead to negative effects, for example:

• Troubles at school or at work as well as at home in relation to your friends and family
• The isolation could cause social anxiety or an agoraphobia ^3.
• A higher chance for developing image problems

Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards getting rid of illnesses. ⁴ Allowing dirt and germs to stay on your hair and skin for prolonged periods can increase the chance of developing the common and rare illnesses. This is especially the case when your fear of germs causes you to avoid washing your hands after you use the restroom or when cooking food.

Potential symptoms and complications

The absence of washing could have many negative effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirm that washing your hair, body, and face frequently and regularly washing hands is a great method of preventing the spread of illnesses and conditions, like long-term diarrhea and lice.

Americans are typically often bathers and bathers, with 66 % of themtaking bathing at least once per day, and just 7 percent showering every month or less.

The signs of ablutophobia are distinct from the challenging behaviour of a cranky child who doesn’t want to bathe or even adults who aren’t very picky regarding their personal grooming routines.

The most common manifestation of ablutophobia can be described as anxiety. The fear isn’t caused by any real risk that are associated with bathing. It is also persistent, meaning it persists for a lengthy duration, often longer than six months.

Ablutophobia is a physical condition that can manifest as physical symptoms. are:

• racing pulse
• difficulties breathing
• feeling lightheaded or faint.
• heart palpitations
• sensation of being suddenly hot or cold
• breathlessness
• shaking or shaking or
• dizziness
• sudden sweats
• Dry mouth
• nausea

In addition to the anxiety of ablutophobia it is also a feeling of being disconnected from the world and of their body. They might be worried that they’ll:

• You may experience a nervous breakdown.
• Pass out or faint
• You’re out of control
• die

Consequences

Share on PinterestAblutophobia may cause social isolation and low self-esteem. In some cases, alcohol or drug dependency may develop.

People who do not bathe due to ablutophobia may be in trouble at school or at work, and can be socially isolated and depressed.

The self-image and self-esteem of a person with ablutophobia can decline. Children who have ablutophobia are at more risk of bullying especially as they enter the teen years.

There is a chance that some people might try to cope with their anxiety through alcohol or drugs which could result in problems of chemical dependence.

Treatments for Ablutophobia

As with all specific phobias, CBT is often used as part of the treatment plan for Ablutophobia. ⁵ Your counselor will likely guide you to confront your fears and replace negative self-talk by using more positive messages. They may assign tasks to complete that require small steps like switching on the shower and being inside the bath while the water running.

The aim of therapy is to allow you to be relaxed and to use your self-talk skills you’ve learned to ease your anxiety while gradually confronting the source of your fear. If you’re feeling very anxious, your doctor might prescribe medication or recommend an hypnosis session to help you manage your anxiety.