This blog provides information on claustrophobia that was taken directly from articles on the subject found at healthline.com, psychom.net, and news-medical.net. Information was also taken directly from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5)
Overview
A type of anxiety disorder,
claustrophobia is defined as an irrational fear of small spaces and of having
no way to escape; the feeling of being closed in without being able to get out
can actually lead to a panic attack. Feelings of claustrophobia can be triggered
by entering an elevator, a small, windowless room, or even an airplane. Wearing
tight-necked clothing may also cause feelings of claustrophobia in some
individuals.
A person who has a specific phobia has a marked fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation. In the case of claustrophobia, the situation is small spaces or perceived small spaces (in children the fear or anxiety may be expressed by crying, tantrums, freezing, or clinging). The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxiety. The phobic object or situation is actively avoided or endured with intense fear or anxiety. The fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the social cultural context. The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for six months or more. The fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Claustrophobia is very common. “Studies have generally indicated that about 7% of the population, or up to 10%, is affected by claustrophobia,” says Bernard J. Vittone, MD, founder and director of The National Center for the Treatment of Phobias, Anxiety and Depression. “I think that studies underestimate how common it actually is. It’s one of the most common psychiatric problems.”
The word claustrophobia comes from the Greek word, “phobos,” which means fear, and the Latin word, “claustrum,” which means “A closed-in place.”
The irrational, involuntary fear of tight, small spaces can cause sufferers to avoid everyday places, even though they are aware that there is not any real danger. A person who has claustrophobia knows that the fear is irrational, but even thinking about the fear can create anxiety. When they are faced with the feared situation, they feel like they are having a panic attack, a heart attack, or as if they could even stop breathing and pass out.
Claustrophobia is a specific situational phobia mental health disorder triggered by an irrational and intense fear of tight or crowded spaces. Many people who have claustrophobia know that they suffer from it, but do not seek treatment. Claustrophobia can be triggered by things like:
- being locked in a windowless room
- being stuck in a crowded elevator
- driving on a congested highway
Claustrophobia is one of the most common phobias. For some people, claustrophobia may disappear on its own. Others may need therapy to manage and cope with their symptoms.
Symptoms of claustrophobia
Symptoms of claustrophobia appear following a trigger for the
phobia, such as being in a closed room or a crowded space. What you consider a
small space can vary depending on the severity of your phobia.
When experiencing symptoms of claustrophobia, you may feel like you’re having a panic attack. A panic attack begins abruptly with a fear trigger. The physical symptoms of a panic attack can include:
- Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or Shaking
- Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
- Feelings of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
- Chills or heat sensations
- Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself
- Fear of losing control or "going crazy"
- Fear of dying
Four or more of the above symptoms occurring simultaneously would be identified as a panic attack while fewer than four are referred to as limited symptom attacks.
Panic attacks are distinguished from ordinary anxiety episodes by the intensity and duration of the symptoms. Panic attacks usually peak within 10 minutes and then subside, however they have been reported to last longer. Panic attacks can mimic other diseases like heart disease, thyroid disease, or lung disorders, resulting in emergency room visits to rule out a life-threatening issue. Panic attacks can come on very suddenly during either calm or anxious states and can occur with or without an obvious trigger.
Panic attacks are a feature of panic disorder (recurrent unexpected panic attacks), but can occur in the context of other anxiety disorders. A panic attack is not considered a mental health disorder in and of itself but instead can occur in the context of any anxiety disorder as well as other mental health disorders and can be triggered by other phobias (in addition to claustrophobia).
The symptoms of a panic attack can be mild or severe. If you’re experiencing claustrophobia, you may also find yourself:
- avoid triggering situations, such as riding in
airplanes, subways, elevators, or in cars during heavy traffic
- automatically and compulsively look for the exits in
every space you enter
- feel scared that the doors will shut while you’re in a
room
- stand near or directly by the exits while in a crowded place
Many situations can trigger claustrophobia. Triggers may include:
- being in a small room without windows
- riding in an airplane or small car
- being in a packed elevator
- undergoing a MRI or CT scan
- standing in a large, but crowded room, like at a party
or concert
- standing in a closet
Other places that can trigger claustrophobia include:
- public restrooms
- car washes
- revolving doors
- store dressing rooms
- caves or crawl spaces
- tunnels
If you suffer from claustrophobia, your symptoms may be triggered by other situations not mentioned above. You may also define a small or confined space differently from other people. This is because people have their own unique sense of personal or “near” space.
A 2011 study found that people
with larger “near” spaces surrounding their body are more likely to feel
claustrophobic when that circle is breached. So, if your personal space is 6
feet, and someone is standing 4 feet away, you may begin to panic.
Causes of claustrophobia
Little is known about what causes claustrophobia. Environmental
factors may play a big part. People typically develop claustrophobia during
childhood or in their teenage years.
Claustrophobia could be related to dysfunction of the amygdala,
which is the part of the brain that controls how we process fear. The phobia
can also be caused by a traumatic event, such as:
- being stuck in a tight or crowded space for an extended
period of time
- experiencing turbulence when flying
- being punished by being locked in a small space, like a
bathroom
- being stuck on crowded public transportation
- being left in a tight space, like a closet, by accident
You’re also more likely to develop claustrophobia if you grew up
with a claustrophobic parent or family member. If a child sees their loved one
becoming scared of a small, enclosed space, they may begin to associate fear
and anxiety with similar situations.
If your symptoms have become persistent or you’re finding that
the physical symptoms of fear are interfering with your daily life, you may
want to contact a doctor. An early diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms.
Your doctor will review your symptoms and give you a physical exam. They’ll also review your history of excessive fear that:
- isn’t associated with another condition
- may be caused by anticipating an event
- triggers anxiety attacks related to the environment
- disrupts normal every day activities
Treatment
of Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia is most commonly treated by psychotherapy. Different types of counseling may help you overcome
your fear and manage your triggers. You should speak with your doctor about
what type of therapy will work best for you. Treatment may include any of the
following:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A cognitive behavior therapist will teach you
how to manage and alter negative thoughts that arise from situations that
trigger your claustrophobia. By learning to change your thoughts, you can learn
to change your reaction to these situations.
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy is an action-oriented form of CBT that focuses on
the present. REBT addresses unhealthy attitudes, emotions, and behaviors and
includes disputing irrational beliefs to help people develop realistic and
healthy alternatives.
Relaxation and visualization
Therapists will offer different relaxation and visualization
techniques to use when you’re in a claustrophobic situation. Techniques may
include exercises like counting down from 10 or picturing a safe space. These
techniques may help calm your nerves and ease your panic.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is commonly used to treat anxiety conditions
and phobias. In this therapy, you’ll be placed in a non-dangerous situation
that triggers your claustrophobia to confront and overcome your fear. It is a
gradual process where the non-dangerous situation brings you closer and closer
to your trigger. The idea is that the more you’re exposed to what scares you,
the less you’ll fear it.
Medication
Your doctor may also prescribe antidepressants or an
anti-anxiety medication to help treat your panic and physical symptoms. When
prescribed, medications are usually used in addition to therapy.
Claustrophobia is treatable and people can recover from the
condition. As mentioned earlier, for some people, claustrophobia disappears when they get older. If
it doesn’t, there are different ways you can treat your fear and physical
symptoms, as well as manage your triggers to live an active and fulfilling
life.
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
A
