Don't Get Trapped in Your Phobia!

Imagine sitting in a tiny box-like room where the windows are non-existent. Imagine having nothing to look at besides the four white colored walls that surround you. Imagine feeling as if all four walls are closing in on you. Imagine being afraid of enclosed spaces. Imagine feeling trapped.

According to psychologist Lisa Fritscher, claustrophobia is defined as a fear of enclosed spaces. In the United States, about three percent of people suffer from claustrophobia. Like any other phobia the severity of claustrophobia can vary widely from person to person.

Victims of claustrophobia may experience symptoms in small rooms, crawl spaces and crowds. Many people who suffer from this phobia feel uncomfortable on rollercoasters and even in MRI chambers or other medical testing.  According to www.epigee.org, a medical website, symptoms of claustrophobia include:

• ·      Sweating
• ·      Accelerated heartbeat
• ·      Nausea
• ·      Fainting
• ·      Light-headedness
• ·      Shaking
• ·      Hyperventilation
• ·      A fear of actual imminent physical harm

When a person suffers from claustrophobia, he or she may feel panicked when in a small space. He or she may cry or yell and may attempt to get out of the situation by any means possible. Some people with claustrophobia find it difficult to breathe and say that it feels as if the walls are closing in on them. Researchers have yet to find the cause claustrophobia. However, many doctors believe that it may be rooted in bad childhood experiences.

Curing this phobia can be quite difficult. However, psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be very successful in treating claustrophobia. Some doctors also prescribe anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants to help manage your symptoms.

A 2007 study, published in CyberPsychology and Behavior, showed that immersive virtual reality might be effective in helping those who suffer from claustrophobia. Researchers found that virtual reality was more successful than distraction with music in helping sufferers successfully complete a MRI scan. Some people find relief through hypnosis and other alternative forms of treatment. Others find that self-help methods such as visualization can help them through claustrophobia attacks. Claustrophobia can be devastating if not treated. However, treatment is usually successful.

Personally, I do not suffer from claustrophobia; however, I know someone who does…my father.  Although my dad does not suffer from a severe case of claustrophobia, I can still see how this phobia can be life affecting.  My dad loves rollercoasters, but sometimes he avoids going on them because of the feeling of being unable to move.  If you suffer from claustrophobia it is important to get help so you can live a full life!

Check back next week for another post about phobias!  Who knows? Your phobia might just be next!