Bathroom Phobia: Causes, Symptoms and How to Cope

You’re enjoying a fun lunch and shopping trip with your oldest friends. You decide to take a break from your diet and treat yourself to some ice cream topped with whipped cream and caramel syrup. Afterward, you hop back in the car with your friends, chatting and laughing as you head to your next stop. But as the car moves along, you start to feel a problem in your stomach. You suddenly remember two important things about yourself:

        1.      You are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance means you cannot digest lactose, a sugar in milk and dairy products. Common symptoms are bloating, diarrhea, gas, and stomach pain after eating dairy.

        2.      You have a strong fear of using public restrooms, also known as bathroom phobia.

Since you’re far from the comfort of your own bathroom, you realize this fun afternoon is about to take a difficult turn.

What is Bathroom Phobia?

Bathroom phobia is a strong fear or anxiety about using bathrooms. It can take different forms:

     •           Paruresis (Shy Bladder Syndrome): Fear or difficulty urinating in public restrooms, often because of social anxiety or the feeling of being watched.

     •           Parcopresis (Shy Bowel Syndrome): Fear or difficulty having a bowel movement in public or unfamiliar restrooms.

     •           Germophobia (Mysophobia): Fear of germs or contamination in bathrooms, such as touching toilet seats, door handles, or sinks.

     •           Claustrophobia: Fear of small, enclosed spaces, like bathroom stalls, which may cause anxiety about being trapped if a door malfunctions.

     •           Fear of Bathroom Accidents: Worry about not finding a bathroom in time or having an accident.

What Are the Symptoms of Bathroom Phobia?

People with bathroom phobia often avoid public restrooms entirely. Even entering a public bathroom can cause:

     •           Sweating

     •           A fast heartbeat

     •           Nausea

Using a public bathroom may create so much anxiety that it affects daily life. In extreme cases, people may avoid traveling far from home or hold in their urine or bowel movements to avoid using public restrooms. Holding it in for too long or too often can lead to:

     •           Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

     •           Kidney problems

     •           Constipation

     •           Hemorrhoids

What Causes Bathroom Phobia?

Several things can cause a fear of using bathrooms:

        1.      Traumatic Experiences: Past accidents, bullying, or negative events in bathrooms (e.g., at school) can lead to bathroom phobia.

        2.      Safety Concerns: Some people fear public bathrooms because they think they might get robbed or harmed there.

        3.      Underlying Anxiety: Phobia can be linked to general anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

        4.      Social Anxiety: People may feel judged by others who might hear or notice them using the restroom.

What Are Common Treatments for Bathroom Phobia?

It’s natural to feel cautious about germs in public restrooms, and proper handwashing with soap and water is always important to prevent illness. However, when fear becomes overwhelming, it may require additional steps. Below are ways to manage bathroom phobia:

        1.      Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and meditation can help reduce anxiety.

        2.      Preparation: Carrying disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, or seat covers can address cleanliness concerns.

        3.      Exposure Therapy: Gradually facing feared bathroom situations under the guidance of a professional can reduce anxiety.

        4.      Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A professional can help reframe negative thoughts and reduce avoidance behaviors.

        5.      Medication: In severe cases, doctors may prescribe anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications.

If bathroom phobia is interfering with your life, consider speaking to a healthcare professional for help...and stay away from foods that will upset your tummy!

Written by JeremyLeon

January 7, 2025

Word Count: 577

Reading Level:  High Intermediate

Keywords:  bathroom phobia, lactose intolerance, social psychology