Claustrophobia

 

What is phobia?

A phobia is a persistent, excessive, unrealistic fear of an object, person, animal, activity or situation. It is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with a phobia either tries to avoid the thing that triggers the fear, or endures it with great anxiety and distress.

Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is a situational phobia triggered by an irrational and intense fear of tight or crowded spaces. Claustrophobia can be triggered by things like:

•Being locked in a windowless room

•Being stuck in a crowded elevator

•Driving on a congested highway

Symptoms of claustrophobia

When experiencing symptoms of claustrophobia, you may feel like you’re having a panic attack. Symptoms of claustrophobia can include:

•Sweating

•Trembling

•Hot flashes

•Feeling intense fear or panic

•Becoming anxious

•Shortness of breath

•Hyperventilation

•Increased heart rate

•Chest tightness or pain

•Nausea

•Feeling faint or lightheaded

•Feeling confused or disorientated

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

• punished by being locked in a small space, like a bathroom

•being stuck on crowded public transportation

• left in a tight space, like a closet, by accident

Diagnosing claustrophobia

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.

 -Rimjhim Gautam

Source: Healthline.com

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