Ataxophobia (Fear of Untidiness or Disorder)Ataxophobia is an extreme, irrational fear of disorder or untidiness. People may feel intense distress in messy environments or even while thinking about disorder. This specific phobia is closely linked with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Several treatments can provide relief, including therapy, medication and stress management techniques. Show
OverviewWhat is ataxophobia?Ataxophobia is an extreme fear of untidiness or disorder. People with ataxophobia feel intense distress in untidy settings. They may experience anxiety just thinking about being in a situation where disorder or messiness surrounds them. Ataxophobia goes beyond being a “neat freak.” The fear of untidiness is a specific phobia. Specific phobias are irrational fears of specific situations, interactions, animals or people. Typically, people with specific phobias experience fear that exceeds any actual threat. They often know the fear is extreme but have trouble controlling it. Who might get ataxophobia?The fear of disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are closely linked. OCD causes people to experience repetitive or unwanted thoughts or obsessions. It can lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). You may constantly tidy up your surroundings or want your environment to be as clean as possible. Many people with ataxophobia develop OCD. Others may have an existing OCD diagnosis when they develop ataxophobia. How common is ataxophobia?Experts don’t know exactly how many people have ataxophobia. But specific phobias are relatively common. More than 1 in 10 adults will experience a specific phobia at some point in their lifetime. Specific phobias are twice as common in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) as in people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Symptoms and CausesWhat causes ataxophobia?There’s no clear cause of ataxophobia. You’re more likely to have ataxophobia if you have:
What are the symptoms of ataxophobia?Like other phobias, the primary symptom of ataxophobia is irrational fear or anxiety. Extreme anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, including:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is ataxophobia diagnosed?To diagnose ataxophobia, your healthcare provider may ask you specific questions about symptoms. Sometimes, anxiety symptoms are related to another mental health diagnosis and not a specific phobia. Your healthcare provider may ask:
Management and TreatmentHow is ataxophobia treated?Your healthcare provider may use similar treatment approaches for ataxophobia as for other specific phobias, including:
If ataxophobia is the result of another diagnosis like OCD, your treatment may also include:
Outlook / PrognosisAre there long-term effects of ataxophobia?With treatment, many people manage ataxophobia symptoms well. Without treatment, ataxophobia can interfere with your quality of life. For example, a fear of disorder may cause you to stay home more than usual or avoid public spaces. The phobia may increase your risk of:
Living WithWhat else should I ask my doctor?You might want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Ataxophobia is the extreme fear of disorder or untidiness. It’s closely linked to OCD. People with ataxophobia may clean frequently, worry about being in messy spaces or obsess over symmetry. Ataxophobia often has no clear cause. But you may be more likely to develop the phobia if you have a family member with ataxophobia or another anxiety disorder. Treatment may include therapy, medication or stress management techniques. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
enews More health news + infoWhat percent of the population has generalized anxiety disorder?Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Adults
An estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults had generalized anxiety disorder in the past year. Past year prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among adults was higher for females (3.4%) than for males (1.9%).
What percent of individuals develop a specific phobia in their lifetime?Studies indicate that the lifetime prevalence of specific phobias around the world ranges from 3% to 15%, with fears and phobias concerning heights and animals being the most common.
What is the lifetime prevalence of GAD?Generalized anxiety disorder typically begins in adulthood and persists over time, although onset is later and clinical course is more persistent in lower-income countries. Lifetime comorbidity is high (81.9% [0.7%]), particularly with mood (63.0% [0.9%]) and other anxiety (51.7% [0.9%]) disorders.
What ratio of people will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime?An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.
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