Claustrophobia is an intense fear of being trapped or confined in small spaces. The fear is often focused on not being able to escape or not having enough oxygen. A person dealing with claustrophobia often experiences great anxiety and difficulty breathing in small enclosed spaces, and may experience feelings of panic or even have a full panic attack.
Individuals with claustrophobia will often enter any enclosed area (such as a movie theatre), and immediately scan their surroundings for the nearest exit. They do their best to avoid small confined spaces such as elevators, basements or cellars, airplanes, or even rooms with closed doors. Crowded spaces can also trigger a claustrophobic reaction, as exits may be blocked and quick escape may be difficult.
Living and dealing with claustrophobia can be difficult and limiting, as the individual often has to avoid certain situations and places. Working on the tenth floor of a tall building means taking ten flights of stairs each morning to avoid the elevator, air travel may be impossible, and big parties might be avoided. The good news is that, as with other phobias, claustrophobia is treatable.
Diagnosing claustrophobia
Claustrophobia would be diagnosed under the umbrella term of phobia. Making an appointment with a psychologist is the first step to treatment. The psychologist will ask for a description of claustrophobia symptoms, their severity and the situations that trigger them.
As with other phobias, claustrophobia often occurs along with other disorders, and so your psychologist will also try to rule out additional problems such as another category of anxiety disorder, depression, or substance abuse before a diagnosis is made.
Other signs & symptoms related to claustrophobia
Since claustrophobia is closely related to anxiety, the symptoms are closely related and may include:
�2 Hot flashes
�2 Increased blood pressure
�2 Panic attacks
�2 Tension
�2 Sweating
�2 Hyperventilating
�2 Nausea
�2 Fainting
Who suffers from claustrophobia? Is there a cure?
Claustrophobia generally develops in early adulthood, and is one of the most commonly experienced phobias, although few people actually seek treatment. This is mostly because people are either unaware that treatments are successful and readily available, or because they have simply learned to live with their disorder. People who are prone to panic attacks are also more likely to develop claustrophobia, as they fear not being able to escape or get help should a panic attack occur.
Dealing with claustrophobia is very hard, as the condition can be very disruptive and limiting. While avoiding small spaces may work most days, the claustrophobic can never plan for every situation, and may have to endure episodes of extreme anxiety and panic. Claustrophobics often find themselves making life choices to accommodate their phobia. For example, they may turn down business opportunities for fear of air-travel, or avoid attending movie theatres or live concerts, or they may just live with a constant niggling fear at the back of their minds. Thankfully claustrophobia is treatable and the associated panic need not be endured.
Claustrophobia in infants, babies & children
Claustrophobia in infants, babies and children usually is a result of heredity or environmental factors, or a combination of both. As children are more easily influenced by their surroundings than adults, they may pick up on learned behaviors of their parents and/or caretakers. Thus, if the adult displays symptoms of fear in certain situations and suffers from claustrophobia, a child may then develop the phobia. Imitation can also lead to the onset of the condition.
However, even if a baby is born with a predisposition to the phobias of his or her parents, just as an adult can "teach" a child to have claustrophobia, the reverse can be taught, too. Infants, babies and children may also develop claustrophobia as a result of a traumatic experience, such as being confined in a small space, like being left alone in a car, or even a playpen for an extended period of time. Regardless of the cause, it is important not to avoid the phobia completely, but rather help a child to confront it, under the guidance of a professional.
