Processing....
Claustrophobia is an irrational fear of closed spaces, to the point where the individual may be unable to carry out normal activities, such as getting into an elevator, a small room and/or trains.
Triggers - The Causes
- A traumatic event in childhood: Some adults with claustrophobia report one or more events where they were trapped or confined to a tight space as a child.
- An isolated event after childhood: a triggering event such as getting stuck in an elevator or experiencing severe turbulence on an airplane.
- Childhood exposure: feeling the anxieties of one of the parent’s reaction to confined spaces.
Symptoms - What it looks like
- A persistent unreasonable or excessive fear caused by the presence or anticipation of a specific situation
- Anxiety response when exposed to the trigger
- A recognition that their fear is out of proportion to the perceived threat or danger
- Employing measures to avoid the feared object or situation
- The person’s reaction, anticipation or avoidance interferes with everyday life and relationships
- The phobia has persisted for some time, usually 6 months or longer
- Symptoms cannot be attributed to another mental condition
- Physical symptoms - sweating and chills, accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and lightheadedness, hyperventilation, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing
Treatment - The way to healing
- Exposure Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Medications, such as anti-anxiety drugs
Samantha Jacobs
Hafiz Ali
Rana Alghairi
