Arithmophobia is the extreme fear of numbers. Some people fear certain numbers, such as “unlucky” number 13. Others fear all numbers. Arithmophobia can significantly interfere with daily life. People with the phobia may have a hard time holding certain jobs, paying bills or managing a budget.
Arithmophobia is an extreme fear of numbers. People may feel afraid of all numbers or only specific numbers. Another name for arithmophobia is numerophobia.
Arithmophobia is not a diagnosis listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). But some people still consider it a specific phobia. As with other specific phobias, people who fear numbers often know the fear is irrational. Still, people may struggle to control or manage arithmophobia symptoms.
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Sometimes, being afraid of a specific number is linked to a religious belief or superstition. For example, people may fear the numbers:
Often, there is not a clear cause of arithmophobia. Factors that may contribute to the development of arithmophobia include:
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The main symptom of arithmophobia is extreme anxiety when encountering numbers. People may experience anxiety when thinking about any number, or the fear could be linked to only specific numbers.
Any extreme anxiety or specific phobia can cause distressing physical symptoms. You may experience:
Your healthcare provider may ask you questions to determine if you have a phobia of numbers. Sometimes, physical symptoms may relate to a different mental health condition.
Your provider may ask if you experience:
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Arithmophobia treatment may include a variety of approaches. You may try:
There isn’t a single strategy to prevent arithmophobia. Living a healthy lifestyle may lessen how often you experience arithmophobia symptoms. You may:
For some people, a combination of therapy and medication helps them overcome arithmophobia. Others manage symptoms long term.
To lessen the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms, you may:
With treatment, many people with arithmophobia live a high quality of life. Some people find that, after treatment, symptoms no longer interfere with their daily life.
Untreated arithmophobia can interfere with a person’s ability to do math. Someone who is afraid of all numbers may have limited professional opportunities. They may also have trouble paying bills or managing a budget.
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Arithmophobia is the extreme fear of numbers. It's not a formal diagnosis, but many people treat it like a specific phobia. People with arithmophobia may fear all numbers, or they may fear specific numbers only. Sometimes, arithmophobia is rooted in superstitions about numbers. You may be more likely to develop arithmophobia if you’ve had negative experiences with numbers, such as being bullied for doing poorly in math. Arithmophobia can cause anxiety symptoms, so it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider about treatment options.
Last reviewed on 03/22/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy