What Is Claustrophobia? Know Triggers, Symptoms and Causes of the Irrational Fear of Confined Spaces

You may have heard many people say that they don't like their car windows rolled up because they feel claustrophobic. These may be people who have Claustrophobia. This type of phobia is usually characterised by an irrational fear of confined spaces. Claustrobhics usually refrain from being in a confined space that may trigger a sort of fear in their minds. There are many reasons people suffer from claustrophobia and it may cause them to avoid even the most common places like lifts, tunnels, tube trains, flights, etc. These fears are usually managed by avoiding the triggers of phobia. Claustrophobia may result in symptoms ranging from mild anxiety to even a panic attack. Let's discuss some of the most common triggers, symptoms and causes of claustrophobia.

Triggers of Claustrophobia

There may be more than one triggers of claustrophobia and they may have different effects on different people. Here are some of the common triggers of claustrophobia:

• lifts
• tunnels
• flights
• public toilets
• cars
• trial rooms
• any small room

Symptoms of Claustrophobia

• Panic attacks, fear, distress
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Shiver
• Hot flushes or chills
• Difficulty in breathing
• Tachycardia
• Chest pain
• Headaches and dizziness
• Numbness
• Dry mouth
• Ringing in your ears
• Disorientation
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of dying

Causes of Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is majorly linked with certain experience in the past that may have stayed with the person psychologically. Some of the examples of childhood traumatic events are as below, however, it is important to note that experiences may differ from person to person.

• Kept in confined space
• Bullying
• Had a parent with claustrophobia
• Unpleasant turbulence experience

Claustrophobia is linked with fear of losing control that may psychologically have different impacts on different people. However, in terms of treatment, thankfully people with a phobia usually know about it on their own and adapt themselves to avoid situations that might cause fear. However, one can seek help from a GP or a specialist with behavioural therapy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2020 05:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).