What is a likely diagnosis for someone who avoids dust and dirt?

The choice of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as the likely diagnosis for someone who avoids dust and dirt is justified by the characteristic symptoms of this condition. Individuals diagnosed with OCD often experience intrusive thoughts that provoke significant anxiety and discomfort. These thoughts can lead to compulsive behaviors intended to alleviate or prevent that anxiety.

In this scenario, an individual who avoids dust and dirt may be experiencing obsessive thoughts related to cleanliness or contamination. Their behavior—actively avoiding situations where they might encounter dirt—reflects a compulsive response to these obsessions. While transactional avoidance can occur in various disorders, in the context of OCD, it is specifically tied to underlying fears of contamination or harm associated with dirt and dust.

This behavior highlights the cycle of obsession and compulsion that defines OCD. The focus is on the anxiety-provoking thoughts and the subsequent actions taken to alleviate that distress, distinguishing this disorder from others that might also involve anxiety or avoidance, which do not necessarily include the compulsive component regarding cleanliness or fear of contamination.