Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder that involves the fear of enclosed or confined spaces.

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Claustrophobes may suffer from panic attacks in situations such as being in elevators, trains or aircraft.

Related Topics:
Panic attack - Elevator - Train - Aircraft

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Conversely, people who are prone to having panic attacks will often develop claustrophobia.

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If a panic attack occurs while they are in a confined space then they will be unable to escape the situation.

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Claustrophobes may also fear being in crowds.

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Claustrophobia can be treated in similar ways to other anxiety disorders, with a range of treatments including cognitive behavior therapy and the use of antidepressant medication.

Related Topics:
Cognitive behavior therapy - Antidepressant

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Popularly, claustrophobia is considered to be the opposite of agoraphobia, or a "fear of open spaces". This is an oversimplification, however: agoraphobia can also be characterized as a "fear of public spaces", and so a crowded city square might trigger claustrophobics and agoraphobics alike.

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