Cleanliness and the psyche. The desire for neatness and hygiene is a normal part of life. We wash our hands, clean the apartment, take care of things. This is not a sign of a mental disorder - it is caring for ourselves and our surroundings.
Where is the line? When cleanliness turns into an obsession that interferes with life, alarm signals appear. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can spend hours washing, cleaning, or checking to reduce anxiety.
It is important to understand: the desire for sterile cleanliness is not a direct sign of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a more complex mental disorder associated with a violation of the perception of reality, hallucinations, and impaired thinking.
When to see a specialist
If your cleanliness habits start to interfere with your work, communication or personal life, you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist. A specialist will help you understand what exactly is causing your obsessive actions and how to work with them.
It is also useful to monitor any accompanying symptoms: anxiety, fears, hallucinations or changes in your perception of reality are all reasons to seek advice.
Sterile cleanliness in itself is not a sign of schizophrenia. It is important to distinguish between ordinary hygiene concerns, habits and obsessive actions that interfere with your life.