The so-called "cleanliness" is a mental illness that excessively pursues cleanliness and hygiene. Patients with cleanliness always feel that there is too much "pollution" in the surrounding environment, such as bacteria, viruses, etc., so they will have a strong urge to clean and carry out repeated cleaning behaviors, such as washing hands and disinfecting.
This pattern of behavior seriously affects the quality of life of patients. So, what cognitive biases need to be corrected by using cognitive behavioral therapy to treat cleanliness?
First, hygienists often overestimate the danger of being "contaminated." For example, the slightest physical contact and the use of public facilities can make patients feel extremely uneasy, believing that they will definitely be infected and cause the disease.
In fact, the danger of such a small probability event is overestimated by hygienic patients. This cognitive bias needs to be corrected in treatment so that patients understand the true risk of infection and thus reduce anxiety.
Second, patients with cleanliness also often make the cognitive mistake of "perfectionism". They pay attention to meticulous absolute cleanliness, otherwise it is difficult to have peace of mind. But "flawless" is not possible in real life, and this high standard adds to anxiety.
During treatment, patients should be guided to accept the imperfections in life and reduce the standard of cleanliness appropriately to reduce anxiety.
Third, patients with cleanliness also have a cognitive bias of "over-control". They feel that they can only feel at ease if they clean it themselves, otherwise they are worried about problems.
This causes patients to spend a lot of time and effort on cleansing rituals, which can seriously affect their lives. This perception should be corrected during treatment so that the patient understands that it is impossible to have complete control over everything in life, and that it is appropriate to leave it to someone else or a system to handle.
Fourth, patients with cleanliness are also prone to "dichotomous thinking". They simply divide everything into "clean" and "dirty", with no buffer zone in between. This increases anxiety.
During treatment, patients should be guided to accept the gray scale of life, there is no absolute "clean" or "dirty", and the cleaning standard should be appropriately lowered.
Fifth, the "excessive sense of responsibility" of patients with cleanliness is also one of the cognitive biases. They often think that cleaning is their responsibility and that if something goes wrong, it's their fault. This places a heavy psychological burden on patients.
This perception should be corrected during the treatment process, so that the patient understands that there is no absolute personal control in life, appropriately reduces the sense of responsibility, and shares it with others and the system.
Sixth, patients with cleanliness also have cognitive deficits of "excessive physical attention". They pay too much attention to the subtle sensations in their bodies, fearing that this is a sign of illness, which enhances anxiety. Treatment should guide the patient to turn their attention away from their body and exercise to turn their attention to more positive aspects of their lives.
In summary, cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients with cleanliness to correct various cognitive biases and establish a more objective, peaceful and positive thinking pattern, so as to reduce anxiety, improve quality of life, and ultimately control the symptoms of cleanliness. This requires active cooperation between the therapist and the patient to achieve the treatment effect.
