Symptoms of claustrophobia include a rapid heart rate, sweating, hyperventilation, sensation of difficulty breathing, light headedness, dizziness, nausea, and a feeling of doom.
Most individuals with claustrophobia are always on the lookout for exits in a closed room, avoid elevators and subways, are scared flying in plane or taking a taxi.
The diagnosis of claustrophobia is based on the history and does not involve any type of radiological study.
Over the years, several treatments have been developed to treat this disorder. The treatments gradually desensitize the individual to close spaces and allows for changes in behavior.
Psychotherapy is targeted to help overcome the fear and helps manage the situation. Most people are taught how to relax using breathing exercise and be calm when in a claustrophobic environment. Cognitive behaviour therapy is also used to help individuals control the negative thoughts of fear.
A few individuals may also benefit from the use of anti depressants and anti anxiety agents. These drugs do not cure claustrophobia but help diminish the symptoms.
Of all the mental disorders, claustrophobia can be effectively treated and significantly improve the quality of life.
Showing posts with label claustrophobia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label claustrophobia. Show all posts
Friday, February 5, 2010
Claustrophobia- fear of enclosed spaces: Part 1
Claustrophobia is defined as a disorder which brings about an unrealistic fear of enclosed or small spaces. Individuals who have claustrophobia describe these sensations of feeling trapped and scared with no way out of the situation. Claustrophobia brings about symptoms of heightened anxiety or panic. The fear can be intense and can create an unbearable lifestyle.
Data indicate that anywhere from 2-5 percent of individuals are affected by claustrophobia. Overall females are more prone to the disorder than men. Unfortunately the majority of people who suffer from claustrophobia rarely seek help chiefly because they are unaware that treatments exist. Most individuals cope by avoiding enclosed spaces and live a severely restricted life style.
However, today the disorder can be treated with great success.
Causes
The actual cause of claustrophobia is not known and the disease does tend to run in families. Claustrophobia generally develops in early childhood and peaks in the 2/3rd decade of life. In some lucky individuals the condition can spontaneously disappear. When claustrophobia persists, treatment is necessary because the symptoms can affect work and life style.
Claustrophobia tends to be more common in individuals who have a history of anxiety when placed in an enclosed room or restricted space.
Individuals who regularly avoid situations that have brought on previous attacks may actually have a higher chance of developing an anxiety attack.
Data indicate that anywhere from 2-5 percent of individuals are affected by claustrophobia. Overall females are more prone to the disorder than men. Unfortunately the majority of people who suffer from claustrophobia rarely seek help chiefly because they are unaware that treatments exist. Most individuals cope by avoiding enclosed spaces and live a severely restricted life style.
However, today the disorder can be treated with great success.
Causes
The actual cause of claustrophobia is not known and the disease does tend to run in families. Claustrophobia generally develops in early childhood and peaks in the 2/3rd decade of life. In some lucky individuals the condition can spontaneously disappear. When claustrophobia persists, treatment is necessary because the symptoms can affect work and life style.
Claustrophobia tends to be more common in individuals who have a history of anxiety when placed in an enclosed room or restricted space.
Individuals who regularly avoid situations that have brought on previous attacks may actually have a higher chance of developing an anxiety attack.
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