Paraskavedekatriaphobia

Paraskavedekatriaphobia is the irrational fear of Friday the 13th. It is sometimes referred to as paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia, though paraskevidekatriaphobia is more common in scholarly contexts. The fear can range from mild unease to severe panic and may lead to avoidance of activities on or around the date.

Etymology and context: The term is built from Greek elements meaning Friday, thirteen, and fear. Cultural superstition surrounding Friday the 13th in many Western societies underpins the belief, though not everyone who fears the date views it as a clinical disorder.

Clinical perspective: In clinical terms, paraskavedekatriaphobia is considered a specific phobia. Prevalence data are limited, and the condition is relatively rare in contrast to broader anxiety disorders. Many individuals experience superstition- or omen-related anxiety without meeting criteria for a disorder.

Symptoms and impact: For those with a clinically significant phobia, symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or a sense of impending doom when thinking about or encountering Friday the 13th. These feelings often lead to avoidance of travel, social events, or routine activities on that day, with resulting distress or impairment.

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis follows criteria for a specific phobia, including marked fear out of proportion to actual danger, persistent for six months or more, and avoidance or distress causing impairment. Treatments with evidence include cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure-based techniques, along with relaxation or mindfulness strategies. Medication is not typically first-line, but may be used for comorbid anxiety or acute symptoms.