Oikiomania is a term derived from the Greek words "oikos" meaning "house" and "mania" meaning "madness" or "obsession." It is a relatively rare and unconventional term that refers to an extreme and obsessive preoccupation with housekeeping or the running of a household.
Oikiomania is characterized by an excessive desire for cleanliness, organization, and order within one's home. Those who suffer from this condition often display compulsive behaviors, spending an excessive amount of time and energy on cleaning, tidying, and maintaining their living space. This compulsivity can significantly impact their daily lives and relationships.
Individuals experiencing oikiomania may exhibit symptoms such as an intense fear of dirt or messiness, an overwhelming need to constantly rearrange or clean household items, excessive handwashing, and difficulty tolerating any level of disorder. They may feel extreme distress and anxiety when their environment is not up to their impossibly high standards of cleanliness.
Although oikiomania shares some similarities with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and hoarding disorder, it is a distinct condition focused specifically on housekeeping rather than broader obsessions or compulsions.
Treatment for oikiomania typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), can help individuals challenge and modify their problematic thoughts and behaviors. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be prescribed to manage anxiety and obsessive thoughts associated with oikiomania.
It is important to note that oikiomania is not officially recognized as a psychiatric disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but the term is occasionally used in the field of psychology to describe
