What is claustrophobia? What are the symptoms? Some myths debunked

Claustrophobia is a phobia that is triggered by an irrational and intense fear of enclosed spaces. Shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, and sweating are among the few. Claustrophobia is one of the most common phobias and its impact can be severe on a person’s life. However, Claustrophobia can be treated and cured by various techniques or by seeking help from professionals.

What is claustrophobia?

Claustrophobia is defined as an anxiety disorder, by WebMD.com, which is caused by an intense fear of enclosed spaces. It is most commonly felt at places like elevators, rooms without windows or doors, crowded spaces, jam-packed highways, etc. While some people feel claustrophobic at all these places but some people might feel claustrophobic only in certain spaces, like MRI machines and caves. In this condition, people fear that the enclosed spaces are moving closer inside. They feel like they are unable to breathe, feel suffocated, and might fear their lives. This leads to a person feeling anxiety or even panic attacks.

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Symptoms of claustrophobia 

Symptoms of claustrophobia have can be different in different people. It ranges from mild nervousness to a panic attack. Certain common symptoms are given below:

• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeat
• Sweating
• Shaking or trembling
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Hot flashes
• Hyperventilation
• Chest tightness or pain
• Confusion or disorientation
• Headache
• Numbness
• Choking sensation
• Urge to use the bathroom
• Fear of harm or illness

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Myths Debunked

Myth: Claustrophobia is a rare condition

Claustrophobia is one of the most commonly found phobias in people. Therecoveryvillage.com reveals that around 5-7% (this equals in millions) of the world's population suffer from Claustrophobia.

Myth: Claustrophobia can be avoided by avoided enclosed spaces

Claustrophobia is an intense fear of enclosed spaces. Some people who have claustrophobia get uncomfortable even thinking about enclosed spaces. Moreover, in everyday life, it is hard to avoid the use of elevators, crowded rooms, which shall affect one’s quality of life. Therefore, one must try to get treatment for the condition.

Myth: Claustrophobia is a life long disorder

Claustrophobia is not a lifelong disorder and can be easily treated by seeking professional help or it can be treated by following certain instructions by medical professionals.

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