DEALING WITH CLAUSTROPHOBIA

I have a close associate who seldom uses the elevator and often thought she used stairs because of exercise issues. Last week we had to walk upstairs (up to 5th floor) which brought into perspective the issue of my associate’s fear of enclosed spaces. Her fears emanated from a point in her childhood when as punishment, her grandmother put her in “Size 25” pot and closed the lid for a considerable period of time. The experience scared her to bits and she had never had peace with the whole issue as she fears enclosed spaces. Such an experience could facilitate the development of a disorder known as claustrophobia which will be on our discussion menu today.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), claustrophobia is often defined as “the persistent fear of enclosed small spaces.” Closed spaces include elevators and engine rooms, to name but a few. The fear is often so irrational that interferes with individuals’ life functioning. Individuals diagnosed with the disorder often avoid at all costs the chance of being in an enclosed space. It is categorised under phobic anxiety disorders. As suggested by most researchers, 3-5% of the general population are affected by the disorder and is mostly common in women.

As in the situation that prompted the writing of this article, previous experiences often have a bearing on the individual having fear of enclosed spaces. Traumatic childhood experiences have been found in most studies to have an influence on the development of this phobia. Some individuals may have claustrophobia because of genetic predisposition through familial links if there is one family member having the disorder.

Symptoms of claustrophobia include but not restricted to the following; shortness of breath, tachycardia and chest pains. Individuals also have overwhelming and intense fear that is evoked by the sight of a triggering object; in this instance the closed, small space. The symptoms may mimic those of a panic attack even though there is a difference between claustrophobia and panic attack.

It must be noted that if the fear is persistent such that interferes with individual’s life functioning, professional assistance may be sought. As with most social anxiety disorders, therapy which can be cognitive behavioural therapy can come handy in assisting with the disorder. Medications that help manage anxiety can be used in instances when individuals experience anxiety symptoms.