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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Howie Mandel mysophobia test: How much do you know?

Quick, free Howie Mandel germaphobe quiz. Test your knowledge and get instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Thomas MathewUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a quiz on Howie Mandels mysophobia on a teal background.

This Howie Mandel mysophobia quiz helps you check what you know about his no-handshake style, routines he follows, and moments fans remember. After you finish, try our germaphobe quiz or a personal hygiene quiz to explore more everyday habits. Get a quick score and learn a fact or two along the way.

What does the term mysophobia specifically refer to?
Fear of heights
Fear of confined spaces
Fear of germs
Fear of water
Mysophobia is defined as an excessive fear of germs or contamination, commonly known as germophobia. Those with mysophobia often engage in repetitive cleaning or avoidance behaviors to reduce their anxiety. Its recognized in psychology as a specific phobia related to contamination fears. .
Which popular game show is hosted by Howie Mandel, where his germaphobia is occasionally mentioned on-air?
Deal or No Deal
The Price Is Right
Jeopardy!
Wheel of Fortune
Howie Mandel is best known for hosting the U.S. version of 'Deal or No Deal,' where he has playfully referenced his germaphobia by favoring fist bumps over handshakes. His avoidance of direct contact adds a personal twist to the shows interactions. .
What greeting does Howie Mandel often use instead of a handshake due to his germaphobia?
Bow
Wave
High five
Fist bump
Because of his germaphobia, Howie Mandel has famously replaced the traditional handshake with a fist bump, which reduces skin-to-skin contact. The gesture became so associated with him that it even went viral at public events. .
Which action does Howie Mandel famously avoid doing in public because of his germaphobia?
Eating street food
Shaking hands
Using shared headphones
Drinking bottled water
Howie Mandel candidly admits he avoids shaking hands due to his fear of germs. This avoidance is one of the most visible signs of his mysophobia in public and on television. .
Mysophobia is often considered a form of what broader psychological condition?
Schizophrenia
Generalized anxiety disorder
Bipolar disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Mysophobia frequently falls under the umbrella of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors such as excessive cleaning. Many people with contamination-related OCD engage in compulsive washing to relieve anxiety. .
Which item is Howie Mandel known to carry with him at all times to manage his germaphobia?
Umbrella
Hand sanitizer
Sunglasses
Toothpick
Howie Mandel has said he keeps hand sanitizer close by wherever he goes, using it dozens of times a day to maintain a sense of cleanliness. This behavior is a hallmark of his germaphobia management strategy. .
What common household object does Mandel try to avoid touching directly?
Refrigerator handles
Television remotes
Light bulbs
Doorknobs
Mandel often uses his elbow, sleeve, or a tissue to open doors, avoiding direct contact with doorknobs that he fears may be contaminated. This is a common workaround for those with severe germaphobia. .
On which network did the documentary special Howie Mandel's Germaphobe premiere?
Discovery Channel
CNN
HBO
TruTV
The hour-long special 'Howie Mandel's Germaphobe' aired on TruTV, giving viewers an inside look at his cleaning routines and the challenges he faces. It highlights his daily rituals and the impact on his life and career. .
Approximately how many times a day has Howie Mandel stated he washes or sanitizes his hands?
200 times
10 times
80 times
25 times
Mandel has estimated he cleans his hands around 80 times per day to manage his germaphobia. This repetitive behavior is common among those with contamination-related OCD. .
In what year did Howie Mandel publicly reveal his severe germaphobia on The Ellen DeGeneres Show?
2005
2013
2010
2018
Howie Mandel opened up about his extreme germaphobia during a 2013 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, demonstrating his avoidance habits and discussing how they affect his daily life. .
Which daytime talk show host did Howie Mandel appear on to demonstrate his germaphobia?
Kelly Ripa
Dr. Phil
Ellen DeGeneres
Oprah Winfrey
On The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Mandel demonstrated his germaphobia by using elbow bumps, hand sanitizer, and other avoidance tactics live on air, giving fans insight into his daily rituals. .
On which podcast did Howie Mandel discuss the details of his OCD and germaphobia in depth?
Fresh Air
WTF with Marc Maron
The Joe Rogan Experience
The Tim Ferriss Show
Mandel went on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast to provide a candid look at his OCD and germaphobia, discussing triggers, coping mechanisms, and therapy experiences in a long-form interview. .
Which method does Howie Mandel often use to turn off light switches without direct hand contact?
Knee
Elbow
Head
Foot
To avoid touching switches directly, Mandel commonly uses his elbow, a simple but effective workaround that reduces skin-to-surface contact. This adaptation is a hallmark of his daily routines. .
What precaution does Mandel take when using public restroom faucets?
He doesnt enter public restrooms
He washes twice
He uses paper towels to turn them off
He avoids flushing
Mandel carries paper towels to wrap around faucet handles when turning them off, minimizing direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. This is a common strategy among those with severe germaphobia. .
Howie Mandel is known to sanitize which part of the Deal or No Deal set regularly?
Audience seating
Cameras
Contestants' chairs
Game podium
Mandel has been seen wiping down the game podium multiple times during filming, ensuring that the surface remains as germ-free as possible between contestants. This behavior underscores how his germaphobia intersects with his hosting duties. .
Which tool does Mandel reportedly use to press public ATM buttons to avoid direct hand contact?
Stylus or pen
Avoids using ATMs
Hat brim
Finger
To minimize touching surfaces, Mandel carries a stylus or pen to press ATM buttons, a workaround many germaphobes adopt to maintain cleanliness. .
In the DSM-5, mysophobia is classified as what type of disorder?
Psychotic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Specific phobia
The DSM-5 categorizes mysophobia under 'Specific Phobia: Other Type,' which includes intense fears of specific objects or situations, such as contamination. This classification guides treatment approaches for germ-related phobias. .
What form of therapy has Howie Mandel credited for helping him manage his OCD and germaphobia?
Art therapy
Hypnotherapy
Psychoanalysis
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Mandel has spoken about using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), to address his obsessions and compulsions. CBT is a first-line, evidence-based treatment for OCD. .
What is the title of the documentary that chronicled Howie Mandels struggles with germaphobia?
Clean Hands Club
Disorder of a Comedian
The Germ Challenge
Howie Mandels Germaphobe
The TruTV special 'Howie Mandels Germaphobe' provided an up-close look at his daily cleaning rituals and challenges with contamination fears. It emphasizes the real-world impact of germaphobia on a successful entertainer. .
Which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is commonly prescribed for OCD, a treatment Howie Mandel has explored?
Diazepam
Ibuprofen
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Metformin
SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac) are often prescribed to help balance serotonin levels and reduce OCD symptoms, including contamination fears. Mandel has discussed medication as part of his overall treatment plan. .
Aside from germaphobia, what other mental health condition has Mandel publicly discussed?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Schizophrenia
Autism
Bipolar disorder
Howie Mandel has been open about his ADHD diagnosis, discussing how it coexists with his OCD and germaphobia to affect his daily routines and career. Many celebrities share multiple mental health diagnoses to reduce stigma. .
What statistical percentage of the U.S. population is estimated to suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, related to germaphobia?
3035%
1015%
Around 12%
2025%
Research indicates that approximately 12% of the U.S. population experiences OCD at some point in their lives, with a significant subset having contamination-related obsessions and washing compulsions. .
What percentage of OCD sufferers are estimated to have contamination fears as a primary symptom?
About 50%
90%
25%
10%
Studies suggest that contamination obsessions and washing compulsions are among the most common OCD symptoms, affecting roughly half of those diagnosed with OCD. This makes germaphobia a key focus in treatment. .
What primary neurotransmitter involved in OCD pathophysiology is linked to germaphobia symptoms?
Acetylcholine
Serotonin
GABA
Dopamine
Serotonin dysregulation is strongly implicated in OCD, influencing anxiety, compulsions, and contamination fears. SSRIs that boost serotonin levels are a cornerstone of OCD treatment. .
Which brain imaging finding is commonly associated with OCD, such as germaphobia, and has been observed in detailed case discussions of sufferers like Howie Mandel?
Increased activity in the orbitofrontal cortex
Decreased amygdala volume
Decreased prefrontal cortex activity
Increased hippocampal size
Neuroimaging studies in OCD patients consistently show hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex and related circuitry, correlating with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors like germ avoidance. This finding underpins advanced research into targeted treatments. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Howie Mandel's Mysophobia Triggers -

    Recognize the specific situations and habits that highlight Howie Mandel's germaphobia, from handshakes to public spaces.

  2. Recall Key Trivia Facts -

    Memorize notable anecdotes and moments related to Howie Mandel's mysophobia, ensuring you can answer quiz questions accurately.

  3. Analyze the Impact on His Career -

    Examine how Mandel's OCD and germaphobia have influenced his hosting style, comedy, and public persona.

  4. Differentiate Between Myths and Reality -

    Separate common misconceptions from verified facts about Howie Mandel's obsessive-compulsive traits.

  5. Apply Your Knowledge in Trivia Challenges -

    Use your understanding of Howie Mandel's quirks to confidently tackle quiz questions and challenge friends.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Clinical Definition of Mysophobia -

    Mysophobia, classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association), is an intense fear of germs and contamination. Unlike occasional handwashing, mysophobia involves persistent, irrational anxiety that interferes with daily life. Remember the acronym "S.A.F.E." (Severe Anxiety From Everything) to recall key symptoms: distress, avoidance, frequency, and excessive rituals.

  2. Howie Mandel's Personal Triggers -

    Comedian Howie Mandel has openly discussed his howie mandel germaphobia and how it can be triggered by common objects like door handles or handshake scenarios - a fact verified in interviews on official talk shows. He often carries hand sanitizer as a coping tool, illustrating the real-world impact of howie mandel OCD. To memorize, think "M.A.N.D.E.L.": Masks, Antiseptic, No handshakes, Distance, Extra caution, Lather.

  3. Iconic Public Moments -

    One of the funniest howie mandel trivia facts is his ban on handshakes on America's Got Talent, which he replaced with a fist bump; this highlighted his genuine discomfort while entertaining millions. In a 2017 interview on the JADA podcast, he detailed a hospital visit where even a doctor's glove made him anxious, underscoring the severity of mysophobia. Use the mnemonic "F.I.S.T." (Fun, Interrupt handshake, Show concern, Teach awareness) to recall these signature moments.

  4. Evidence-Based Treatments -

    Research from Johns Hopkins University and the International OCD Foundation shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) - is the gold standard for treating mysophobia. Some patients, including high-profile cases like Howie Mandel's, may also benefit from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) under psychiatric supervision. A simple formula to remember is "T = CBT + ±M" (Treatment equals therapy plus or minus medication).

  5. Raising Awareness Through Comedy -

    Howie's openness about his howie mandel mysophobia has turned personal struggle into howie mandel quiz-worthy trivia, helping millions understand OCD and reduce stigma. By blending humor with honesty on platforms like late-night shows and stand-up specials, he educates audiences on mental health in an engaging way - an approach supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Recall "L.A.U.G.H." (Lighthearted approach, Authentic story, Understanding, Generosity, Hope) when thinking of his advocacy style.

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