Definition
Claustrophobia is the morbid fear of closed and confined spaces. This anxious manifestation is often the result of a traumatic experience associated with the memory of a narrow environment.
The person who suffers from it is assailed by a feeling of anguish, discomfort or strong fear as soon as he finds himself - or risks finding himself - locked up in a car, elevator, dressing rooms, underground passages, subways, etc. Therefore, the claustrophobic person tries not to expose himself to situations in which he considers himself surrounded and free of spatial freedom, adopting strategies of avoidance or seeking the reassuring presence of a family member, with serious limitations for his activities.
Like all phobias, claustrophobia is also accompanied by anxiety and often by somatic manifestations such as sweating, increased heart rate (tachycardia), a feeling of fainting, breathing disorders and the fear of dying.
Often, claustrophobia is a passing phenomenon, destined to disappear spontaneously. In some cases, however, this phobic disorder requires the use of psychotherapy or behavioral therapy.
Possible Causes * of Claustrophobia
- Anxiety
- Panic attack
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
