<P> Paruresis (/ ˌpɑːrəˈriːsɪs / PAR - ə - REE - sis) is a type of phobia in which the sufferer is unable to urinate in the real or imaginary presence of others, such as in a public restroom . The analogous condition that affects bowel movement is called parcopresis . </P> <P> It appears that paruresis involves a tightening of the sphincter and / or bladder neck due to a sympathetic nervous system response . The adrenaline rush that produces the involuntary nervous system response probably has peripheral and central nervous system involvement . The internal urethral sphincter (smooth muscle tissue) or the external urethral sphincter (striated muscle), levator ani (especially the pubococcygeus) muscle area, or some combination of the above, may be involved . It is possible that there is an inhibition of the detrusor command through a reflex pathway as well . The pontine micturition center (Barrington's nucleus) also may be involved, as its inhibition results in relaxation of the detrusor and prevents the relaxation of the internal sphincter . </P>

What is the fear of public restrooms called