Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder that causes an intense fear of enclosed spaces. If you get very nervous or upset when you're in a tight place, like an elevator or crowded room, you might have claustrophobia.
Some people have claustrophobia symptoms when they're in all types of closed-up areas. Others notice the problem only when they're in certain cramped spaces, like inside an MRI machine.
No matter where claustrophobia pops up for you, you can overcome it with the right treatment.
Symptoms
Claustrophobia is different for everyone. The anxiety can range from mild nervousness to a full-blown panic attack. For doctors to diagnose the anxiety as a phobia, it has to be serious enough to affect your ability to live a normal life.
Being inside an enclosed space can trigger symptoms such as:
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
You may also feel a sense of doom, like you're going to die or the world is going to end. These feelings can be very frightening, even if you're not really in danger. And though you might realize that the fear isn't rational, you may not be able to stop it.
Panic attacks are intense and can last 5-30 minutes. Along with shortness of breath and sweating, you may also have chest pain and tightness. These are also the symptoms of a heart attack. If you're not sure whether your problems come from anxiety or a heart problem, get medical help.
Treatment Options
Many people live with claustrophobia without having it formally diagnosed and take great care to avoid confined spaces.
But getting help from a GP or a specialist with expertise in behavioural therapy, such as a psychologist, can often be beneficial.
Treatments are available for claustrophobia and can include:
talking treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy
self-help - find out more about phobias and self-care on the Mind website
medicines, such as antidepressants or tranquilisers
CBT is a talking therapy that explores your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and develops practical ways of effectively dealing with your phobia.