Can you overcome claustrophobia

Someone with ranidaphobia experiences intense feelings of fear or anxiety in response to frogs. Emetophobia or fear of vomit can make daily tasks, including eating and cooking, distressing.

We'll go over symptoms and potential causes before…. Somniphobia refers to an extreme fear of sleep or going to bed. We'll go over common symptoms, potential causes, and the most effective treatment…. Learn more about pantophobia, a condition that describes a fear of everything, including its symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and how it can be treated.

Learn more about podophobia, the fear of feet — and find out how you can help treat the causes and symptoms of this rare phobia. Do you have Hippopotomonstroses-quippedaliophobia?

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Symptoms of claustrophobia. Causes of claustrophobia. Diagnosing claustrophobia. Treatment of claustrophobia. Tips for managing claustrophobia. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Medically reviewed by Marney A. White, PhD, MS. Ranidaphobia: The Fear of Frogs.

Understanding Emetophobia or Fear of Vomit. Medically reviewed by Vara Saripalli, Psy. Understanding Somniphobia, or Fear of Sleep. The therapist may even ask the family members or friends to attend certain sessions, in order to support the person seeking treatment. Treating phobias, including claustrophobia, relies on psychological methods.

Depending on the person, some of these methods may include:. The person may be treated as an outpatient or, sometimes, as an inpatient if their phobia is particularly severe. Generally, treatment consists of around eight to 10 weeks of bi-weekly sessions. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave familiar environments, because they are afraid of having a panic attack.

You can help your child overcome anxiety by taking their fears seriously and encouraging them to talk about their feelings. Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that affect many people. Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about one in ten with persistent, excessive worrying that can hinder their ability to function.

They may worry constantly about things that do not warrant it or that may never happen. In this video clip, participants discuss the various forms of treatment and support they have received from medical professionals as well as from other sources. Some of the strategies for managing anxiety are explored, including techniques such as physical activity, breathing exercises, and sticking to a routine. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only.

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Skip to main content. Home Anxiety. Actions for this page Listen Print. People with claustrophobia will go to great lengths to avoid small spaces and situations that trigger their panic and anxiety. They may avoid places like the subway and prefer to take the stairs rather than an elevator, even if many floors are involved. Up to 5 percent of Americans may experience claustrophobia.

A diagnosis of claustrophobia may emerge during a consultation about another anxiety-related issue. For a specific phobia to be diagnosed, certain criteria need to be met.

Being in or thinking about being in a confined space can trigger fears of not being able to breathe properly, running out of oxygen, and distress at being restricted. It is not necessarily the small spaces that trigger the anxiety, but the fear of what can happen to the person if confined to that area.

Reactions include :. Claustrophobia involves a fear of being restricted or confined to one area, so, having to wait in line at a checkout may also cause it in some people. Following a diagnosis, the psychologist may recommend one or more of the following treatment options. It may involve slowly exposing the patient to small spaces and helping them deal with their fear and anxiety.

Observing others : Seeing others interact with the source of fear may reassure the patient. Drug therapy : Antidepressants and relaxants can help manage symptoms, but will not solve the underlying problem.

Relaxation and visualization exercises : Taking deep breaths, meditating and doing muscle-relaxing exercises can help deal with negative thoughts and anxiety. Alternative or complementary medicine : Some supplements and natural products may help patients manage panic and anxiety. Treatment often lasts around 10 weeks, with sessions twice a week.

With appropriate treatment, it is possible to overcome claustrophobia. Strategies that can help people cope with claustrophobia include :. Longer-term strategies may include joining a yoga class, working out an exercise program, or booking an aromatherapy massage, to help cope with stress. In this video, Stella Lourency, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Emory University, explains that people with higher levels of claustrophobic fear tend to underestimate distances.