Imagine finding yourself in a small, enclosed space — like an elevator, a windowless room, or a narrow hallway. Suddenly, you feel as though the walls are closing in, your heart starts racing, breathing becomes difficult, and a wave of fear overtakes you. For some, this isn’t just an uncomfortable moment — it’s a serious and sometimes overwhelming condition.
Claustrophobia is an irrational fear of confined spaces, often triggering intense anxiety and leading to behavioral limitations. People with this condition frequently avoid enclosed areas such as elevators, tunnels, or public restrooms. While avoiding these situations might provide temporary relief, it actually reinforces and intensifies the fear over time.
Symptoms and Manifestations of Claustrophobia:
Claustrophobia symptoms often appear in the following situations:
- Elevators
- Tunnels
- Public restrooms
- Small rooms without windows
- Airplanes
- Public transportation
In addition to anxiety and panic attacks associated with claustrophobia, the following symptoms may also occur:
Physical symptoms:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Chills
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Chest pain or a feeling of tightness
- Dizziness and a feeling of weakness
- Numbness in the body
- Dry mouth
- A sense of disorientation
Psychological symptoms:
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of death
- Feeling ashamed when expressing fear in front of others
- A sense of uncertainty and hopelessness about the future
- Excessive focus on one’s fear
- Fear of fainting or losing consciousness
- Strong desire to leave the enclosed space
- Awareness that the fear is irrational, but inability to overcome it;
Triggering factors:
The causes of claustrophobia are diverse, but they are often linked to traumatic experiences developed in early childhood. It is also worth noting that if a parent has claustrophobia or experiences strong discomfort in enclosed spaces, the likelihood increases that their child may also develop a similar condition.
Treatment:
Claustrophobia affects the quality of a person’s life and limits them. However, it is treatable and involves the following methods:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Aims to change the thoughts that trigger fear and modify behavioral reactions.
- EMDR Therapy: Effective for processing traumatic experiences.
- Medication Therapy: Used for treating both primary and accompanying symptoms. In the best case, it is often recommended to use psychotherapy and medication therapy simultaneously. This increases the effectiveness of treatment.
- Supportive Techniques: Breathing control, relaxation exercises, and other self-help methods.
Choosing the right treatment method depends on individual needs. With the help of a psychotherapist and psychiatrist, it is possible to effectively manage the symptoms of claustrophobia and improve the quality of life.
Author: Ani Motsonelidze
Editor: Guga Sikharulidze, Elene Khomeriki