General Information About Claustrophobia
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is an uncontrollable and extreme state of fear (phobia) experienced by a person about being in enclosed, cramped spaces or places where they think exit might be difficult.
Small windowless rooms, elevators, subways, tunnels, airplane cabins, locked toilets, and especially going into enclosed MRI machines in hospitals directly trigger the phobia.
Entering an enclosed space (or even the thought of entering) creates a feeling of suffocating or being unable to breathe in the person. Heart palpitations, trembling, cold sweating, chest tightness, and a desire to scream and run away begin.
It is generally based on a traumatic event experienced during childhood (e.g., being locked in a dark closet). It is also explained as an evolutionary alarm reaction given by the amygdala, the brain's danger perception center, to spatial restriction.
The person's constant postponement or avoidance of daily life, work, or health checks (such as not being able to have an MRI) due to this fear is sufficient for a psychiatric diagnosis.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to change the source of the fear. In 'Systematic Desensitization (Exposure)' therapy, which is one of the most effective methods, the person is gradually and in a controlled manner accustomed to enclosed spaces in a safe environment under expert supervision. Temporary anti-anxiety medications are given if necessary.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
