Toilet phobia

Wait. Toilet phobia? You might be wondering if such a fear really exists because you never actually heard about it. While there is no definite scientific term for it, it still exists and yes, there are people really suffering from this disorder. There is no public awareness about this and there is a very little recognition by the medical and mental health communities.

Toilet phobia simply refers to the fear of using public restrooms or toilet. Like other well-known phobias, it becomes devastating for its sufferers when confronted by it. This results to shame, humiliation and social anxiety. At worst, they end up bombarded with guilt and they completely isolate themselves, refusing to leave their homes and risking their health.

Medical Perspective

Looking at the medical perspective, it is classified as an anxiety disorder and recognized by clinicians as a form of social phobia with characteristics similar to agoraphobia (fear of being trapped in places or situations in which there is no way to easily escape in the event of anxiety or a panic attack) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (intrusive thoughts that often compel sufferers to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines in order to ease their anxiety). 

Types

There are certain factors that contribute to this phobia. Some are worried that they might be contaminated because the toilets are not sanitized. They’re troubled if they feel that other people are aware that they are using or able to hear it. Others are even afraid to leave the house because they might not be able to find a safe toilet. Some also have this fear caused by toilet-related situation due to a traumatic experience.

Despite numerous contributors, toilet phobia can be classified either parcopresis or paruresis.

Bashful bowel syndrome or clinically known as parcopresis is the inability to defecate in public toilets.  This can be as a result of being scared of being confined in a “germ-filled” bathroom or the anxiety connected with feeling dirty after doing number 2 or having to come into contact with the toilet seat.

On the other hand, paruresis is the inability to urinate in others’ presence or in public places. Other terms associated with this condition are “shy bladder syndrome,” “bashful bladder,” “avoidant parures” and “pee-shy.”

In severe cases, sufferer will even dehydrate themselves in order to avoid the need to urinate. What they got is a feeling as a “freezing” or “locking up” of their bladder. They still can’t urinate despite how uncomfortable they are.

Potential health risks

One of the most sought options of people suffering from toilet phobia is avoidance behaviors. But these can be damaging to their health. They refrain from eating or consuming liquids to avoid needing to use the bathroom when away from home. Relationships are also damaged. In some cases, family members also suffer just to accommodate their special needs. Some even avoid contact with their friends or going on normal social gatherings and outings.

As a result, these avoidance behaviors will lead to serious effects if prolonged over more period of time.  Diverticulitis and Septicemia are just two of the major health problems caused by these phobias that can be dangerous to health and eventually can be a fatal situation.

• Diverticulitis occurs when herniated pockets were developed in the colon. This is primarily caused by compacted waste material. What makes it critical is the toxins stored and developed in these areas and in the long run can then spread to other parts of the colon. This commonly leads to illnesses and diseases such as Coleo-rectal cancer which is the third most common diagnosed cancer.

• Septicemia is a result if protracted fecal impaction causes bacteria and toxins to be absorbed into the blood stream and carried to other parts of the body. When feces is contained within the body over extended period of time which is beyond normal. What makes it fatal is when it causes widespread cell damage and infections.

Treatment

Until now, there has been a very little research or documentation on how this condition is treatment, however, traditional methods of reducing general anxiety is on top of the recommended tips. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy can also be considered to end this phobia. Over the years, it has a high success rate when therapy is completed. But before you undergo such therapy it is important to consult your doctor.

If you or someone you know suffers from a toilet phobia and they don’t want to feel embarrassed, you suggest they turn to professional groups who handle anxiety problems. Support groups, support seminars can also be of help.

This study was initiated by @AeonAviado, a Bathroom Vanity and Double BathroomVanity for Premiere Vanities