What Are Some Questions About Claustrophobia?

Medical News Today defines claustrophobia as an "anxiety disorder in which someone has an intense and irrational fear of confined and enclosed spaces." A closer look at claustrophobia raises many questions about the causes, symptoms and treatment of the condition. Research produces answers to some of the most common questions about claustrophobia.

What Causes Claustrophobia?

• Although not a cause, claustrophobia often occurs in younger people.

  People develop claustrophobia due to unknown reasons. Research suggests hereditary causes of claustrophobia, according to the Health Library at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Claustrophobia poses a greater threat in people diagnosed with other forms of anxiety disorders, who are already susceptible to feelings of fear and worry. Although age is not a direct cause of claustrophobia, the disorder often emerges early in a person's life.

What are the Symptoms of Claustrophobia?

• Claustrophobia causes an overwhelming fear of small spaces.

  Symptoms of claustrophobia include indications of general anxiety as well as disorder-specific signs, according the Victorian Government of Health in Australia. Symptoms of an anxiety attack consist of increased heart rate, sweating and a growing fear of harm or death. The anxiety symptoms overlap the claustrophobia-specific signs, such as monitoring doors and exits and avoiding small rooms. People with severe symptoms of claustrophobia suffer the loss of a normal life due to debilitating reactions to everyday situations, such as riding in an elevator.

Am I Claustrophobic?

• Claustrophobic people avoid small spaces like elevators even if taking the stairs is impractical.

  Everyone experiences mild fears of common things such as riding in an elevator from time to time. A person mildly afraid of a small space differs from a person with actual claustrophobia. Claustrophobics suffer physical discomfort, which leads to panic or anxiety attacks. Claustrophobic fears affecting daily life indicate a more serious condition. For example, a serious underlying problem exists if a person late to work takes twenty flights of stairs to the office instead of the elevator.

How is Claustrophobia Treated?

• Anti-anxiety medications ease the symptoms of claustrophobia.

  Treatment for claustrophobia includes a variety of techniques dependent on the severity of the disorder. The first step of treatment includes locating a qualified psychologist familiar with claustrophobia and anxiety disorders. Once therapy begins, treatment consists of discussing the fear and learning relaxation techniques. Later on in the treatment, the psychologist exposes the claustrophobic person to a small space. As the person controls and overcomes the fears, claustrophobia disappears. Severe cases of claustrophobia require anti-anxiety medications to supplement therapy and control difficult symptoms during the exposure process.

Are There Any Alternative Treatments for Claustrophobia?

• Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for claustrophobia.

  A study published by the International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine suggests acupuncture and breathing exercises reduce claustrophobic feelings. Self-applied techniques place pressure on specific muscles of the body to induce relaxation. Deep breathing calms the tightness of anxiety and panic. Although the study supports alternative treatments, people with claustrophobia gain more from pairing natural methods with professional therapy.