Numerophobia (A complete guide)

This article will give a brief idea about Numerohphobia. Then it will focus on the causes and symptoms of Numerophobia.

Later it will highlight Methods of overcoming Numerophobia.

NUMEROPHOBIA:

Numerophobia refers to the fear of dealing with numbers or mathematics. Sometimes it refers to the fear of particular numbers.

It is usually diagnosed in childhood when the children start learning and practicing mathematics. It is also known as Arithmophobia.

Many people from all the world suffer from the fear of numbers like Triskaidekaphobia (fear of number 13), Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia (fear of number 666), or Octophobia (fear of number 8), all these have some cultural roots and influence which have been seen as bad luck.

Although, in Numerophobia an individual might fear all kinds of number and develops more fear with the difficult mathematics equations and computations.

CAUSES OF NUMEROPHOBIA:

There is no certain cause that has been found so far for Numerophobia, though, there are several factors that contribute to this condition.

One factor would be genetics, as a person who has a family history of anxiety disorders or phobias are more likely to develop Numerophobia.

Another factor would be the environment in which the person has been brought up. Both factors are likely to play important roles in developing Numerophobia.

Someone developing a fear of numbers could be because of traumatic and negative events in the past as well, like failing or doing poorly in maths in the exams and classes.

Having being ridiculed, humiliated or spanked in school. Sometimes parents also unintentionally put fear in the children by saying “Maths is really hard and one can fail if not practiced thoroughly”.

It can also be developed due to already suffering from a disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), like obsession with the dangers of numbers and thus slowly developing Numerophobia.

SYMPTOMS OF NUMEROPHOBIA:

Fear of maths and numbers have the following symptoms:

• Avoiding maths classes or skipping school just because of the fear of maths. Adults who have this problem might avoid numbers and this might affect them in the long-run
• Panic attacks even with the thought of numbers
• Breathlessness, nausea or vomiting
• Sweating and trembling
• Agitation and Irritation

OVERCOMING NUMEROPHOBIA:

There is no particular treatment that has been designed especially for Numerophobia.

But some treatments which have been proved to be helpful in anxiety and phobias have been considered to be helpful with Numerophobia as well and those are-

Psychotherapies:

• Talk Therapy–

Talk Therapy can be beneficial for someone suffering from an irrational fear of automobiles as it can help the patient to let out all the fears he has in a constructive way and it eventually helps in developing new and more constructive thinking pattern

• Exposure Therapy:

It is one of the most common and effective therapy with patients suffering from anxiety and phobias.

It works by having the therapist slowly expose the patient to which he fears ie. numbers and mathematics and later to computations in an attempt to desensitize him about it.

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Numerophobia:

It is an 8-week evidence-based program that offers mindfulness training to help people suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, etc.

Mindfulness meditation can significantly help people suffering from Numerophobia due to how it will help one in distracting himself from their fear by refocusing their attention on something else, like breathing.

This is the most basic and easiest way one can meditate and be in the present.

• CBT:

CBT is another very common therapy that is used for GAD and OCD patients. It may also be effective for conditions like Numerophobia as well.

It works by helping the patient to uncover why do they behave, think and feel the way they do with regards to a particular fear or concern they have.

Psychiatric Medications:

• Anti-anxiety medications:

These medications are very helpful in preventing panic attacks and anxiety issues. It is very helpful when the condition is very severe.

Some common anti-anxiety medications are Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, etc. These medications should be taken only in the supervision of a medical professional.

• Antidepressants:

These medications aren’t only for people who suffer from depression as they can also help people suffering from anxiety disorders such as Numerophobia.

Some common antidepressants are Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, etc.

These types of drugs are taken on a daily basis and can be helpful in preventing panic attacks and daily anxiety issues.

But always consider consulting a psychiatrist first before starting or stopping any medications.

CONCLUSION:

This blog has given a brief idea about Numerohphobia. Then it has focused on the causes and symptoms of Numerophobia.

Later it highlighted Methods of overcoming Numerophobia.

Please feel free to comment below or leave a suggestion. We would really appreciate it.

FAQ:

CITATIONS:

fearof.net

psychtimes.com