Claustrophobia refers to an unusually strong terror of enclosed or small places. Patients with this disorder may have intense anxiety at the thought of being unable to escape an enclosed area. According to the New York University Langone Medical Center, symptoms of claustrophobia include heart palpitations, a feeling of choking, intense fear, lack of breath, passing out, panic and anxious movements. Claustrophobia cannot be cured; however, treatment can make symptoms less frequent and less severe. With action and treatment, most claustrophobia patients will be able to lead a more normal life.
Therapy
Speak to a therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a claustrophobia patient relax and maintain control when symptoms of claustrophobia appear. With time, you will feel less panic in situations that previously evoked symptoms of claustrophobia. Once you start therapy, you will build a plan to handle the negative feelings that arise if claustrophobia appears.
Exposure to Triggers
Patients also can try to desensitize themselves to what causes their reaction by placing themselves in situations that usually bring on claustrophobia. The more you experience a situation that alarms you, the less anxiety-provoking it will become. Try using a notebook to write down assignments, such as spending time in an elevator or going into a small space that triggers claustrophobia. When you do so, write in a journal about the experience. Speak to a therapist about this action plan to gain support to help overcome symptoms of claustrophobia.
Discuss Alarmist Thinking
Another idea is to meet with a therapist to discuss the alarmist thinking that occurs when you encounter a situation that brings on claustrophobia. Talk about the irrational thoughts you have when claustrophobia strikes. The therapist can reassure you that the alarming thoughts are not based in reality and the imagined dire scenarios will not come to fruition, the University of Southern California Keck Medical School suggests.
Strategies to Relax
Start using relaxation strategies when you notice symptoms of claustrophobia. Practice techniques such as tensing and relaxing you muscles to regain calm. Or use visualization of a beautiful place, such as a vacation spot or a favorite place, to move your mind away from anxiety. Let your mind focus on something other than terror to gain peace in a frightening situation when claustrophobia may arise.
Prescription Drugs
Talk to a doctor about the possible use of medications, such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, to help treat your claustrophobia. Ask the doctor to select a drug to use based on your particular symptoms. Drugs will not cure this disorder, but it will help you function more normally and quell the severity of claustrophobia symptoms. Ask your doctor what combination of medication and therapy would be best to treat your claustrophobia.
