Arithmophobia refers to extreme fear of numbers. People fear certain numbers like the “unlucky 13”. Some people fear all numbers. Arithmophobia can severely impact your daily life. Arithmophobia can make it difficult for people to hold certain jobs, pay bills, or manage a budget.
OVERVIEW
What is arithmophobia, and how can it be explained?
Arithmophobia refers to extreme fear of numbers. Some people are afraid of all numbers, while others may be more fearful of certain numbers. Numerophobia is another name for arithmophobia.
Arithmophobia does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5). However, some people still consider it to be a specific fear. Like other phobias of numbers, people who fear numbers often realize that their fear is rational. However, it is possible to manage or control arithmophobia symptoms.
What are some reasons someone might be afraid of certain numbers?
Fear of a particular number can sometimes be linked to religious beliefs or superstitions. People may be afraid of numbers, for example.
- Four: In Japan, China, and Vietnam, the number four is considered unlucky. It is a homophone, which means that words sound the same but have different meanings, for “death.” The number four is often missing from elevators, hotel room numbers, and product serial numbers in some Asian countries.
- 13: The superstition of the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia) can be linked with Christianity or other cultures. In Christianity, Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was the thirteenth guest at The Last Supper. Loki, the Norse god for mischief and mischief, is the 13th god in the pantheon. People may fear Friday the 13th as an unlucky day (paraskevidekatriaphobia).
- 666: Fear of 666 (hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia) is widespread in Western cultures. In the Bible’s Book of Revelation, 666 is listed as the “number the beast.” Many doomsday or horror films use this number as a sign of evil or the end.
SYMPTOMS & CAUSES
What is the cause of arithmophobia?
Arithmophobia is often not caused by a specific cause. The following factors can cause Arithmophobia:
- Genetics. Your risk of developing an anxiety disorder is higher if your parent or another family member has it.
- Other mental health diagnoses include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- There are examples of past trauma or negative experiences with numbers, such as being bullied or scolded for not performing well in math class.
What are the signs of arithmophobia, and how can they be treated?
Extreme anxiety about numbers is the main sign of arithmophobia. Anxiety can be caused by fear of any number or a specific number.
Distressing physical symptoms can be caused by extreme anxiety or phobias. You may experience:
- Chills.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Hyperhidrosis – Excessive sweating
- Heart palpitations.
- Nausea.
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- Trembling and shaking.
- Upset stomach or indigestion (dyspepsia).
DIAGNOSIS AND TEST
What is the diagnosis of arithmophobia?
To determine if you fear numbers, your healthcare provider might ask you some questions. Sometimes physical symptoms can be related to mental health conditions.
Your provider may ask you if you have:
- Anxiety and fear lasting six months or more
- Avoidance of numbers and extreme thinking.
- An immediate feeling of anxiety or distress when you think about a task that involves numbers.
- Extreme panic is not as extreme as the actual threat to numbers.
- You may experience symptoms that can disrupt your daily life or cause you to lose your ability to function.
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
What is the treatment for arithmophobia?
There are many options for treating arachnophobia. Try:
- The first treatment is often exposure therapy. People who use exposure therapy as directed experience a decrease in symptoms. Exposure therapy is a gradual approach to dealing with a particular fear. Imagine doing numbers-related tasks, and eventually, you can do the same tasks in real life.
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) involves speaking with a therapist. You will learn how to recognize which thoughts are harmful or false. CBT helps you to train your brain to think rationally.
- Hypnotherapy involves focused concentration and guided relaxation. Your provider will guide you to a state where your mind is so focused that you temporarily lose track of the world around you. You may be more open to receiving suggestions and treatments while in this state. The success rate of phobia treatment may be increased by hypnotherapy.
- Medications may be helpful if you suffer from an anxiety disorder. If your life is disrupted by anxiety or depression, you can take anti-anxiety and antidepressant medication to reduce the symptoms. However, medications do not cure arithmophobia.
PREVENTION
What can I do to prevent arithmophobia from happening?
Many different strategies can prevent Arithmophobia. A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the frequency of arithmophobia symptoms. You may:
- Hydration is a problem. Drink lots of water.
- Consume a nutritious diet.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Use healthy coping strategies to manage stress.
- Sleep a minimum of seven to eight hours per night.