Overcoming Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder that plagues millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by an intense fear of enclosed or tight spaces, and can lead to panic attacks and avoidance of otherwise ordinary situations, like riding on an elevator or sitting in a crowded room. Fortunately, claustrophobia is highly treatable, and many strategies exist to normalize the lives of the afflicted.

Exposure Treatment

• One of the most effective methods of treating claustrophobia is gradually increasing exposure to frightening situations. If you suffer from this disorder, find locations that triggers a small to moderate amount of fear, and deliberately enter the location for a set amount of time. After about an hour of stress and anxiety, you will find yourself slowly relaxing and becoming more comfortable. After your fear begins to drop away, find another, more challenging situation to confront your fear. If this is done systematically, you will eventually be able to stand in a crowded elevator or crawl through a cave, knowing that the fear, through systematic exposure, will diminish. Exposure treatment can be done without professional therapy and, according to Dr. Timothy Miller, a California-based clinical psychologist, is enormously effective.

Professional Cognitive Therapy

• Claustrophobia symptoms can range from the mild to the extreme. When the disorder is critical enough, consultation with a psychologist sometimes becomes necessary. Most psychologists utilize a combination of exposure treatment and cognitive therapy to assist their patients. Cognitive therapy focuses on changing irrational or confused beliefs the patient may hold. Thoughts surrounding the fear are critically examined and challenged when necessary. For example, the professional could help the patient realize that there is nothing inherently threatening about small spaces, and the problem lies in the reaction to the constrictive setting. The psychologist could also help the patient pursue at-home exposure strategies for the best overall treatment. Hypnosis and guided relaxation may also feature into the clinical experience, which, over time, can permanently reduce anxiety and give the patient additional resources to conquer his claustrophobia.

Medication

• Medication is uncommonly prescribed and rarely recommended for claustrophobia, due to its focus on short term relief rather than long-term therapeutic cures. However, for very serious cases, medication may be necessary to minimize panic attacks, social withdrawal, or depression. The most common medications, according to Phobia Fear Release, are Benzodiazepines, Xanax, Valium, or similar anxiety-reducing substances. Medication in concert with other forms of treatment is typically thought of as far more effective than medication alone. Consult a psychiatrist or your primary care physician for advice tailored to your specific needs.