Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisCausesImpactTreatmentCopingFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Causes
Impact
Treatment
Coping
Frequently Asked Questions
Claustrophobia is defined as a fear of enclosed spaces. Like any phobia, the severity of claustrophobia can vary widely from person to person. You may experience symptoms in small rooms, crawl spaces, crowds, caves, and many other situations.
Some claustrophobic people areuncomfortable in elevators, on amusement park rides that use secure restraints (such asroller coasters), public restrooms, or even revolving doors.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) chambersand other medical testing situations can also be difficult or impossible if you have claustrophobia.
Symptoms of Claustrophobia
While not everyone reacts to claustrophobia in the same way, symptoms can include:
Eventually, you may begin to dread activities that could cause you to feel closed in. In addition, severe claustrophobia can lead to fears of fainting, losing control, or even dying. You might skip crowded parties or other events, avoid rides that use shoulder restraints, leave the door open when you enter small rooms, or make other concessions to your fear.
While these moments may seem fleeting, repeated panic attacks and feelings of dread and anxiety can cause persistently elevated stress, which can be harmful to the body.
Knowing you have a fear of enclosed spaces may seem like enough to formalize a diagnosis of claustrophobia, but like other phobias, there are specific diagnostic criteria that must be met. If your symptoms interfere with your life and cause significant distress, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Anxiety conditions such as specific phobias tend to grow worse over time, so earlier interventions can help you manage your symptoms before they take a serious toll on your life.
Claustrophobia is not considered a distinct condition in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), the tool that doctors and mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions. If your symptoms meet the following criteria, however, you may be diagnosed with a specific phobia:
Your symptoms must not be due to another condition and must be present for six months or longer. A mental health professional can evaluate you and determine if your symptoms are the result of a phobia,panic disorder, or another issue. A similar specific phobia known ascleithrophobia(a fear of being confined or trapped) is sometimes mistaken for claustrophobia.
Causes of Claustrophobia
Researchers are not yet certain what factors may cause claustrophobia. Many speculate that it may be rooted in bad childhood experiences. Others believe that it may be a remnant of an evolutionary defense mechanism related to the dangers of being cornered with no escape.
Other underlying fears, such as a fear of injury, fear of losing control, or fear of death, may play a role in the onset of claustrophobia.
Researchers from Emory University concluded that people who falsely perceive the distance beyond their arm’s reach are more likely to experience claustrophobic fear.Either way, it appears that a history of being nervous in enclosed spaces may eventually lead to a more serious case of claustrophobia.
Impact of Claustrophobia
Being claustrophobic can severely limit your life, causing you to miss out on things you would otherwise enjoy and even place undue stress on your health. For example, claustrophobia can be a challenge when it comes to travel.
An anticipated vacation can turn negative once you find yourself in one of these situations, or these concerns may prevent you from even booking a trip in the first place.Medically, claustrophobia can be dangerous because it could cause you to avoid having necessary MRI tests or other important medical procedures.
Claustrophobia Medication and Tips to Make Travel More Enjoyable
Treatment for Claustrophobia
Treatment for claustrophobia depends on the person and severity of symptoms. There are various treatments available.
Medication
Be sure to pay close attention to dosage and medication instructions, as you may need to start taking the medication several days before you travel, or follow other procedures such as taking the drug with a meal or avoiding alcohol.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) in particular has been shown to be quite successful in treating claustrophobia. Exposure therapy is another treatment that can be effective.
Behavioral Techniques
Systematic desensitization, counter-conditioning, modeling, and flooding are often used in conjunction with cognitive methods such as theStop! Technique. The methods work together to help change both your behaviors and your feelings of fear.
Coping Strategies
While avoiding enclosed spaces is one way to avoid experiencing symptoms of fear and panic, avoidance coping also tends to make fear and anxiety worse.
Finding ways to reduce panic and fear when you do encounter a situation that triggers feelings of claustrophobia can be helpful. You might try:
Some people find relief throughhypnosisand other alternative forms of treatment. Others find that self-help methods such asvisualizationcan help them through claustrophobia attacks. If you decide to try alternative methods of treatment, be sure to get the approval of your mental health professional.
Keep in Mind
Claustrophobia can be debilitating if it’s not treated. However, treatment is usually successful. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of claustrophobia, it’s important to contact a mental health professional or your family doctor as soon as possible. With help, you can work toward freeing yourself of this fear and enjoying life that much more.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a phobia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a phobia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe exact causes are not known. Like other phobias, geneticsand experiences can influence the development of the condition. Having a close family member with an anxiety disorder increases the risk of developing a specific phobia, but stressful or traumatic experiences involving enclosed spaces can also play a part.A type of cognitive behavioral therapy known as exposure therapy can be highly effective for overcoming specific phobias such as claustrophobia.This approach involves being gradually exposed to the thing you fear in a safe and controlled manner. Over time and with repeated exposure, the fear eventually begins to diminish and fade.Claustrophobia can range from feelings of mild anxiety to severe fear and panic. When in an enclosed space, you might feel overwhelmed and fear losing control. It may be difficult to focus and you might experience physical symptoms of panic including a racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, and nausea.Although estimates vary, some have suggested that as much as 12.5% of people experience claustrophobia.
The exact causes are not known. Like other phobias, geneticsand experiences can influence the development of the condition. Having a close family member with an anxiety disorder increases the risk of developing a specific phobia, but stressful or traumatic experiences involving enclosed spaces can also play a part.
A type of cognitive behavioral therapy known as exposure therapy can be highly effective for overcoming specific phobias such as claustrophobia.This approach involves being gradually exposed to the thing you fear in a safe and controlled manner. Over time and with repeated exposure, the fear eventually begins to diminish and fade.
Claustrophobia can range from feelings of mild anxiety to severe fear and panic. When in an enclosed space, you might feel overwhelmed and fear losing control. It may be difficult to focus and you might experience physical symptoms of panic including a racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, and nausea.
Although estimates vary, some have suggested that as much as 12.5% of people experience claustrophobia.
9 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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