IMPORTANT THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CLAUSTROPHOBIA

Overview

Claustrophobia could be a situational anxiety disorder triggered by associate degree irrational and intense concern of tight or packed areas. It can be triggered by things like being locked in a windowless room, being stuck in a crowded elevator, or driving on a congested highway.

Claustrophobia is one of the most common phobias ( fear of being trapped) If you expertise simple phobia, you may feel like you’re having a panic attack, although claustrophobia isn’t a panic disorder. For some folks, claustrophobia may disappear on its own. Others may have medical aid to manage and deal with their symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of {claustrophobia|simple anxiety disorder} seem following a trigger for the phobia, such as being in a closed room or a crowded space. What you think about alittle house will vary counting on the severity of your anxiety disorder.

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

v  sweating

v  trembling

v  hot flashes

v  feeling intense fear or panic

v  becoming anxious

v  shortness of breath

v  hyperventilation

v  rapid heartbeat

v  chest tightness or pain

v  nausea

v  feeling faint or lightheaded

v  feeling confused or disorientated

These symptoms can be mild or severe. If you’re claustrophobic, you may also:

v  avoid triggering situations, such as riding in airplanes, subways, elevators, or in cars during heavy traffic

v  feel worry that the doors will shut while you're in a room

v  stand near or directly by the exits while in a crowded place

Many situations can trigger claustrophobia. Triggers may include:

v  being in a small room without windows

v  riding in an airplane or small car

v  being in a packed elevator

v  undergoing a MRI or CT scan

v  standing in a large, but crowded room, like at a party or concert

v  standing in a closet

Other places that can trigger claustrophobia include:

v  public restrooms

v  car washes

v  revolving doors

v  store dressing rooms

v  caves or crawl spaces

v  tunnels

Your simple phobia symptoms could also be triggered by alternative things not mentioned higher than. You may also define a small or confined space differently from other people. This is as a result of folks have their own distinctive sense of private or “near” house. A 2011 study found that folks with larger “near” areas close their body area unit a lot of probably to feel claustrophobic once that circle is broken. So if your personal space is six feet, and someone is standing four feet away from you, you may begin to panic.

Causes

Little is known about what causes claustrophobia. Environmental factors may play a big part. People usually develop simple phobia throughout childhood or in their teenaged years.

Claustrophobia might be associated with disfunction of the amygdaloid nucleus, that is that the a part of the brain that controls however we have a tendency to method worry.

The phobia can also be caused by a traumatic event, such as:

v  being stuck in a tight or crowded space for an extended period of time

v  experiencing turbulence when flying

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

v  being stuck on crowded public transportation

You’re conjointly a lot of possible to develop simple phobia if you grew up with a claustrophobic parent or friend. 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.

Diagnosis

You should see a doctor if your symptoms have become persistent. Don’t wait until your claustrophobia becomes too overwhelming. An early diagnosis can help you better manage your symptoms.

Your doctor will review your symptoms and give you a physical exam. They’ll also take into account your history of excessive fear that:

v  isn’t associated with another disorder

v  may be caused by anticipating an event

v  triggers anxiety attacks related to the environment

v  disrupts normal every day activities

Treatment

Claustrophobia is most commonly treated by psychotherapy. Different types of counseling can help you overcome your fear and manage your triggers. You should speak together with your doctor regarding what form of medical aid can work best for you. Treatment may include any of the following:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

A cognitive behavioral therapist will teach you how to control 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)

REBT is an action-oriented form of CBT that focuses on the present. REBT addresses unhealthy attitudes, emotions, and behaviors. It uses a method known as "disputing" to assist individuals develop realistic and healthy beliefs.

Relaxation and visualization

Therapists can supply totally different relaxation and mental image techniques to use once you’re during a claustrophobic scenario. Techniques may include exercises like counting down from 10 or picturing a safe space. These techniques might facilitate calm your nerves and ease your panic.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is often accustomed treat anxiety disorders and phobias. In this medical aid, you’ll be placed in a non-dangerous situation that triggers your claustrophobia in order to confront and how to overcome fear. 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.

Outlook

Claustrophobia is treatable and folks will endure the condition.For some individuals, 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, in order to live an active and fulfilling life.

Tips for managing claustrophobia

Many people with simple phobia can avoid the areas that trigger their disorder.That doesn't work well as a long-term solution because you may eventually find yourself in a scary but unavoidable situation. There are ways, though, to cope during an attack.

v  Focus on something safe, like time passing on your watch.

v  Remind yourself repeatedly that your fear and anxiety will pass.

v  Challenge what’s triggering your attack by repeating that the fear is irrational.

v  Visualize and focus on a place or moment that brings you calm.

It's also important not to resist the attack when it's happening. You may want to stop the attack from happening, but if you’re unable to stop it, your anxiety may increase and make the attack worse. Instead, accept that the attack is occurring, remind yourself that it’s OK to experience these feelings, reassure yourself that the attack isn't life threatening, and remember that it will pass