Did You Know Fear Of The Number 13 Has Got A Name? It's Called Triskaidekaphobia. Let's tell you all about this in the next few slides

Triskaidekaphobia is not just a superstition but a real issue steeped in historical, cultural, and psychological significance, according to experts

So, what is triskaidekaphobia? Pronounced trĭs'kī-dĕk'ə-fō'bē-ə, it is defined in the Oxford dictionary as an 'extreme superstition' regarding the number thirteen

This phobia is recognised in the medical field as an irrational fear often found in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

The fear of No. 13 has deep historical and cultural roots, with certain stories embedding the phobia in our collective consciousness

A significant factor contributing to the fear is its association with Friday the 13th, a day considered particularly unlucky by some

In Christian tradition, the Last Supper is said to have had 13 guests, with Judas Iscariot being the 13th person, adding a layer of negativity to the number

Loki's appearance as the 13th guest at a gods' gathering (in Norse mythology) also sowed seeds of superstition around the number

Triskaidekaphobia is often linked to OCD, manifesting as repetitive, intrusive thoughts and actions, similar to behaviours like excessive hand-washing

Sufferers may experience overwhelming anxiety about the number 13, leading to compulsive behaviours to counteract these fears

Psychiatrists look at a personalised and holistic approach to treat triskaidekaphobia, using cognitive-behavioural therapy, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques, taking into account cultural and historical contexts

Expert inputs from consultant psychiatrists Dr Valli Kiran & Dr Pavana S; and Archana Singhal from Mindwell Counsel