Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia is the irrational fear of confined spaces.
Some people with claustrophobia experience mild anxiety when in a confined space, while others have severe anxiety or a panic attack. The most common experience is a feeling or fear of losing control.
Cluster Number:
Wiki Number: W043
Diagnosis: Claustrophobia
US Patients:
World Patients: 5-10%
Sex Ratio:
Age Onset:
Brain Area: Smaller amygdala, fight-flight response
Symptoms: fear confined spaces: elevators, windowless rooms, hotel rooms, small cars, tight-necked clothing, MRI machine
Progression: may result in severe panic attacks
Causes: fear of suffocation-release of adrenaline for an autonomic response; fear of restriction
Medications: None listed.
Therapies: 30%- cognitive therapy, convincing that the situation was not dangerous; exposure, 75%; virtual reality
Youtube Video: 5 Steps to Stop Claustrophobia
Amazon or Library Book: Panic Free: The 10-Day Program
to End Panic, Anxiety and Claustrophobia
Click the book to link or order from Amazon.