Halithophobia is a delusional fear of having bad breath, often caused by psychological trauma, OCD, or hypochondriasis. Treatment may involve breath fresheners, prescription drugs, or psychological therapy. It is considered a mental disorder and can cause depression and social isolation.
Halithophobia is a medical term used to describe a delusional fear of having bad breath, also known as halitosis. In many cases, there is nothing friends and family can do to convince the affected person that this is not true. Possible symptoms of bad breath include fear of exhaling, depression, and social isolation. This condition can be caused by psychological trauma, OCD, or hypochondriasis, although the direct cause isn’t always able to be determined. Treatment for bad breath may involve the use of breath fresheners, prescription drugs, or psychological therapy.
Most medical professionals consider bad breath to be a mental disorder because the patient usually cannot be convinced that bad breath is not present. A person with this condition may obsessively brush their teeth several times a day or constantly chew gum or use breath mints in an attempt to mask the imagined mouth odor. Depression and social withdrawal are common and are usually related to an irrational fear of rejection if someone gets close enough to smell the breath of the person with this disorder.
There are several possible causes for the development of bad breath, but the direct cause can be so deeply ingrained in the psyche that it is never diagnosed clinically. In many cases, the patient has been emotionally traumatized by comments or teasing about bad breath. This often occurs in childhood and feelings of rejection or ridicule remain with the person into adulthood. Additional causes of halithophobia can involve disorders such as hypochondriasis or OCD. Psychological illnesses that can cause delusions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can also contribute to the development of bad breath.
Treatment for bad breath can be a little complicated and it may take a long time to find a method or combination of methods that works on an individual basis. Breath mints, chewing gum and other breath fresheners may help in mild cases, but these measures do not address the psychological element of this condition. A dentist can diagnose and treat any dental condition that can contribute to bad breath, including oral infections or tooth decay. Prescription drugs may be needed to treat some of these problems.
A psychological evaluation may be recommended for those with severe symptoms associated with a fear of having offensive breath. Therapy can help the patient cope with any irrational fears or delusions and can help the patient change perceptions of previous traumatic events. Any underlying delusional disorder can be diagnosed and treated by a psychiatrist.
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