Claustrophobia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Claustrophobia is a type of phobia, in which a person has an excessive fear of closed places. In general, it’s normal to feel scared when you’re trapped – provided there is a genuine threat. However, people with claustrophobia can experience fear of being in enclosed spaces without any obvious or realistic danger signs.
People with claustrophobia will generally take steps to avoid closed spaces – such as elevators, tunnels, subways, public restrooms, and some other narrow enclosed spaces. However, avoiding these places often only makes the fear worse.
Some people with claustrophobia experience mild anxiety when in closed places, and others can experience severe anxiety and even panic attacks. The most commonly experienced feeling is fear of losing control.
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Reason
There are many different situations or feelings that can trigger claustrophobia. In fact, thinking about a certain situation without being directly exposed to it can be a trigger.
Some triggers for claustrophobia are:
- Elevator
- Tunnel
- Subway
- Rotating door
- Public toilet
- Car with central locking
- Automatic car wash
- Changing room in the shopping mall
- A hotel room with closed windows
- Aircraft
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine
Claustrophobia is often caused by a traumatic event experienced in childhood. For example, adults may experience claustrophobia if they experienced being trapped or confined in a closed place as children, experienced bullying or abuse, or had parents with claustrophobia.
Claustrophobia can also be triggered by unpleasant experiences or situations – such as experiencing turbulence on a plane or being trapped on a stationary subway train. Children who have parents with claustrophobia may also experience claustrophobia, by associating closed spaces with the anxiety experienced by their parents.
Symptom
Panic attacks are quite common in individuals with claustrophobia. This condition can cause fear and stress, and symptoms can occur suddenly.
In addition to excessive anxiety, panic attacks can also cause a number of other signs and symptoms, including:
- Sweating
- Shiver
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Choking feeling
- Increase in heart rate
- Chest pain or a feeling of heaviness in the chest
- Nauseous
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Feeling confused or disoriented
In individuals with severe claustrophobia, some of the psychological symptoms that are also felt are:
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of fainting
- Fear of death
Diagnosis
If the signs and symptoms of claustrophobia interfere with daily activities, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor directly. Early diagnosis of this condition can help manage complaints better.
The diagnosis of claustrophobia is generally determined by the results of a detailed medical interview and direct physical examination.
Handling
Most people with claustrophobia know they have the condition. Most people living with claustrophobia are not formally diagnosed but prevent the onset of the complaint by avoiding closed spaces. However, getting treatment from a doctor or professional who is competent in conducting behavioral therapy can help relieve complaints.
Claustrophobia can be managed well, by gradually being exposed to situations that cause fear. This is known as desensitization therapy, and can be done alone or with the help of a professional.
Cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT) is often very effective in individuals with phobias. This therapy is a type of therapy that explores an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develops practical ways to deal with phobias effectively.
Prevention
Good treatment can help prevent complaints of claustrophobia.