Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is a type of phobia. A phobia is an irrational or disproportionate fear of an object, activity or situation. People with claustrophobia have an intense fear of enclosed spaces.

Many situations can trigger claustrophobia, including being in:

• lifts
• tunnels
• trains and planes
• crowded rooms or rooms with no windows
• public toilets
• cars with central locking

Symptoms of claustrophobia are similar to symptoms of anxiety, such as:

• Sweating or chills
• Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or headache
• Dry mouth or nausea
• Chest tightness, chest pain or difficulty breathing
• An urge to urinate (wee)
• Confusion

If you have claustrophobia you may:

• feel scared or anxious about being in small or enclosed spaces
• have a fear of being suffocated
• experience fear or anxiety that is much greater than any real danger

Having claustrophobia is a very individual experience. Some people only feel mildly anxious when they are in a confined or crowded space. Other people feel extremely anxious and can experience a panic attack.

The exact causes of claustrophobia aren't fully understood. Here are some of the factors that may contribute:

• Your genetics and biology can make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders or specific phobias.
• Differences in how your brain processes fear and anxiety may also play a role.

If you experience feelings of fear which are ongoing and overpowering you should see your doctor or a mental health professional. Your doctor will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend the best course of action.

To diagnose claustrophobia, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, health history and recent life changes. Try to provide detailed answers about what you are experiencing.

Your doctor might:

• ask you about how claustrophobia affects your life
• give you a questionnaire
• do some psychological tests
• perform a physical check-up

Your doctor will check that no other issues are causing your symptoms. They can refer you to a specialist for more help, such as a:

• psychologist or psychiatrist
• counsellor

Claustrophobia can be successfully treated. There are different treatment options, and your doctor can help you find the right one for you.

Your doctor may recommend seeing a psychologist to help you manage your claustrophobia. A psychologist can use different types of talking therapy to help you. Examples include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Desensitisation or Exposure Therapy

CBT can help you to change a specific behavior (like a phobia) by helping you modify your thinking patterns and behavioral patterns.

Exposure therapy involves working with a health professional to gradually expose yourself to a situation that usually causes you fear.

Your doctor or psychiatrist might also prescribe medicines to manage some of the symptoms as part of your treatment.

Your health team can advise you about which treatment options may suit you.

Claustrophobia can make you feel very uncomfortable and anxious in confined spaces. You might change your behaviour and routines because of the fear of coming across confined spaces, or because of the fear of having a panic attack. If this happens, it's important to seek help.

Read more on Mental health helplines.

If left unmanaged, claustrophobia can lead to a lower quality of life and other mental health issues. For example, you are more likely to develop other phobias or avoid places or activities that trigger your fear.

If you think you might have claustrophobia, speak to your doctor.

• Beyond Blue offers advice on specific phobias and social anxiety as well as treatment options.
• The Australian Psychological Society offers phobia treatment options and contacts for people seeking help.
• ReachOut has phobia information and support for young people, parents and schools. Chat with a peer worker who understands.
• This Way Up — offers online evidence-based programs to improve the way you feel.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• WellMob Healing Our Way provides social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Yarn Safe by headspace (for people aged 12 to 25 years) — chat online.