“I don't know exactly when my claustrophobia developed, but I distinctly remember being in sixth grade and being deathly afraid of any tight, suffocating spaces,” wrote a member of the online support community at ExperienceProject.com. “Over time it got worse, and I went to three different therapists for it.”
“It wasn't until the third therapist that I finally found hope,” continued the ExperienceProject member. “I remember thinking I could finally go into the gym for a pep rally without pressing myself against the wall to stay as far away from the crowd as possible or waiting until everyone was gone.... I know I've gotten better ... but it makes me sad that I can still have such a bad panic attack.”
What is Claustrophobia?
Claustrophobia is an abnormal and
persistent fear of closed spaces, of being closed in or being shut in, as in
elevators, tunnels, or any other confined space, according to the definition at
MedicineNet.com.
This fear is excessive and is not the normal anxiousness a person feels in a stressful situation.
The fear in claustrophobia is frequently 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, according to the description given in an article at NativeRemedies.com.
Individuals with claustrophobia often immediately scan their surroundings for the nearest exit when they enter any enclosed area. 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, according to the article at NativeRemedies.com.
Anxiety or Panic Disorders
Excessive fear can result in anxiety disorders. The term ‘anxiety disorder’ refers to a range of mental conditions characterized by fearfulness, worry and uncertainty which interfere with the person’s life, according to an article at HealthXchange.com.sg.
These conditions include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder with agoraphobia (or fear of crowds, being in public places)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder)
In its mild form, an anxiety disorder will not affect normal life. “An
office worker will still be able to step into the office, but he might be less
productive than usual,” explains Associate Professor Leslie Lim, Senior
Consultant Psychiatrist at the General Hospital in the HealthXchange article. “Only severe forms of anxiety disorders can disrupt daily activities, making it impossible for the sufferer to go to work.”
Symptoms
An anxiety disorder characterized by sudden attacks of fear and panic may occur without a known reason, but more frequently they are triggered by fear-producing events or thoughts, such as taking an elevator or driving. Some symptoms associated with anxiety disorders and panic attacks mentioned in an article at MedTerms.com
include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Strange chest sensations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Tingling
- Anxiousness
- Hyperventilation
- Agitation
- Withdrawal
Other symptoms mentioned in a news article at HealthXchange.com.sg
include:
- Sweating
- Choking
sensation
- Chills or
hot flashes
- Nausea or
abdominal pains, cramping
- Feeling
unreal or disconnected
- Fear of
losing control, going crazy, or dying
Causes
The cause of phobias is unknown, according to an article at WebMD.com.
Phobias usually start when a person is a child or a teenager. Situational phobias usually start when a person is an adult. Women often have phobias at a younger age than men. If a person has one phobia, he or she is likely to have another phobia as well.
Panic disorder is believed to be due to an abnormal activation of the body's hormonal system, causing a sudden 'fight or flight' response, according to the MedTerms.com
article.
Treatment
The main methods of treatment are medication and psychotherapy. The form of psychotherapy will depend on the particular circumstances, the presenting situation, the therapist and the patient. According to an article at HealthXchange.com.sg, some studies have shown a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy is superior to either for long-term prevention of relapses.
Coping with Anxiety Disorder and Claustrophobia
Advice given in the article at NativeRemedies.com
includes:
- Taking small steps towards conquering anxiety disorder or claustrophobia
- Learning relaxation techniques to help manage anxiety and fear
- Thinking positively
- Taking steps to empower self in other areas of life
- Reading to find out more about the condition for self help and support
by VideoJug
For professional help with panic attack, anxiety disorder or claustrophobia, please consult a doctor or psychiatrist.
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