In the past year, I’ve developed a strong fear of contamination. I avoid public restrooms, feel the need to sanitize constantly, and I wear fully covered clothes in public transport to avoid any skin contact with surfaces. Sometimes I feel like spitting if something feels unclean, and I often get the sensation that something is crawling on my skin while using blankets in hotels. I can't use utensils in restaurants without wiping them. These are just few examples. At home, I don’t feel this way at all. What is happening to me?
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The best way ahead would be a detailed clinical interview to understand the symptoms and your comprehensive history.
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Hey
I know you are super stressed
I'll try to simplify it for you
sounds like symptoms of Contamination OCD as we say Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder where the brain gives you false alarms about dirt, germs, or uncleanliness. That’s why you feel the urge to sanitize constantly, cover up in public transport, avoid restrooms, and even feel sensations like “something crawling” when your brain interprets normal touch as contamination.
Think of it like this: your brain has a germ magnifying glass that zooms in on every possible contamination risk, making it feel 10 times bigger than it really is. At home, where you feel in control, the alarm calms down but in uncertain places like hotels, restaurants, or public transport, the alarm goes off. The good news is OCD is treatable through therapy (like CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention) and, if needed, medicines. You’re not “dirty” or “weird” your brain’s alarm system is just oversensitive, and with the right treatment, it can be reset.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
Hi.. could be health anxiety. However will need further history regarding the same to advise appropriately. Therapy and medicines can help. Consult online for further evaluation and management
Symptoms that you have described are suggestive of OCD that have various domains as contamination
It is treatable with proper Medications plus therapy as ERP, it's a good standard, OCD is very common 1-3% of the population is facing this and with proper treatment, doing well in respective life
* You must plan a consultation with a Psychiatrist so that further more detailed evaluation can be done and management planned ASAP*
Next Steps
plan a consultation
Health Tips
you are not alone, the only need is proper guidance and the right direction
Needless to say that the diagnosis and treatment would require Psychiatrist’s visits. Don’t worry, even if it turns out to be an illness, it can be managed.
Hello ma'am
The issues you explained can be Obsessive Compulsive
But doesn't seem to be at Disorder level, can be your normal personality also
That is, it isn't yet a serious illness and you have raised this issue at the right time
Good thing is this issue can be resolved with counselling/ therapy and also only if required a small dose of some medicines for a very brief period of time to get a faster recovery from above issue
Next Steps
kindly consult online for further management and treatment
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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