What are the effects of claustrophobia?
Physical symptoms of claustrophobia may include:
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Chest tightness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Trembling
- Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations)
- Feeling faint
- Hot or cold flashes
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased urination
Psychological symptoms of claustrophobia may include:
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of death
- Feeling trapped or suffocated
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling helpless
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Depression
- Avoidance of situations that trigger claustrophobia
In severe cases, claustrophobia can lead to a panic attack, which is a sudden episode of intense fear that can cause physical and psychological symptoms.