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Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder that can cause an intense fear of enclosed spaces such as an elevator or a crowded room. For some people, the symptoms show up in specific cramped spaces like an MRI machine; for some, it pops up in all enclosed spaces. However, you can manage them well with the proper treatment.

Usually, for a mental health expert to diagnose this ailment, the fear needs to be at an intensity that hinders the way you live daily. Once a diagnosis has been made, the right care from a certified counselor can help relieve the signs. By booking a virtual consultation with a therapist, you can start to get rid of the phobia which makes you live uncomfortable moments whenever you find yourself in an enclosed space.

Major Causes

What causes the signs of this disorder in people has not been fully understood. But, researchers are of the view that the following situations might be the causal factors:

• Traumatic childhood event: Many adults who have it report having had an experience where they were confined or trapped in an enclosed space.
• Early exposure to parents' claustrophobia: If a child has seen the effects in a parent, the chances of them having the same condition are likely higher.
• A triggering event: Not all the roots of this disorder are found in childhood. Suppose a person has experienced a serious situation such as turbulence in a plane or an elevator accident, that is enough to trigger the symptoms later in life.
• Genetic defect: Research also suggests that a single genetic mutation may be responsible for increasing the risk of this condition.

One or many of these factors can be held responsible for this condition.

Common Signs

The signs usually occur following a trigger. These may include being in a crowded or enclosed space. The type of confined space that is uncomfortable to you may not be the same for another person. It might also depend on the severity of the phobia. The signs showing up in claustrophobic patients look like a panic attack and can be seen as:

• Trembling
• Sweating
• Feeling intense panic or fear
• Shortness of breath
• Hot flashes
• Increased heart rate
• Being anxious
• Hyperventilation
• Nausea
• Tightness in the chest or pain
• Feeling confused and disoriented
• Feeling light-headed

Some other ways of the signs showing up can also include:

• Avoiding situations that act as triggers, such as being in elevators, subways, airplanes, or even in cars during heavy traffic
• Feeling scared that the doors will shut when you are in a room
• Standing near the exit when in a crowded space
• Compulsively looking for exits in every space you tend to enter

Risk Factors

According to some studies, it has been found that there may be certain genetic or physical factors that can be termed risk factors in the case of claustrophobia. People with a smaller amygdala can be claustrophobic as this part of the brain processes fear.

Some researchers also believe that people who experience this phobia perceive things as being much nearer than they are, which then triggers a defence mechanism. This can also be associated with a dormant evolutionary survival mechanism that causes reactions that are basically of no use in today's world.

Common Triggers

The most common triggers that make a person feel claustrophobic are:

• Being in a small room with no windows
• Being in a packed elevator
• Undergoing CT Scan or MRI
• Riding in a small car
• Being in an airplane
• Standing in a closet
• Being in a large but crowded room, such as at a concert or show
• Car washes
• Public restrooms
• Tunnels
• Revolving doors
• Store dressing rooms
• Crawl spaces

Other situations not mentioned here can also trigger similar reactions. Everyone has their perception of what is enclosed. Therefore, the reactions of people to these situations can also vary.

How to Deal With Your Symptoms

Whatever the intensity, getting rid of the signs through counseling by mental health experts is possible. Most commonly, it is treated by psychotherapy and different types of counseling may help in managing and overcoming your fears.

The most common options available are:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Through CBT, you will learn how to manage and alter the negative thoughts that mostly arise from situations that act as a trigger. Once you are able to change your thoughts, the reactions may also change.
• Relaxation and Visualization: Therapists may ask you to use various relaxation and visualization techniques when you are in an enclosed space. These may include counting down from 10 or even visualizing a safe space.
• Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy: The REBT is basically an action-oriented form of CBT that helps you focus on the present. This technique addresses unhealthy emotions, behaviors, and attitudes by disrupting them to help develop more healthy and realistic alternatives.
• Exposure Therapy: This form or therapy places you in non-dangerous situations that may trigger your phobia so that you are able to confront your fear. Exposure therapy is used to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. The idea is that the more you are exposed to what most scares you, the less you will actually be afraid of it.
• Medications: A psychiatrist will be able to prescribe medicines to help treat the physical indicators and panic. These may include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines, which are usually given in addition to therapy.

Get Treatment From a Licensed Therapist Who’s Right For You

Getting the right treatment from therapists and psychiatrists is crucial to managing your fears. The way forward will be decided by your mental health care professional. They will also determine the course of action based on the severity of your condition.

With DocVita, you can have the option to receive counseling from licensed therapists as well as psychiatrists who will give the options of therapy and medications as per your specific condition.

Schedule a Virtual Psychotherapy Appointment with a Counsellor Today

Schedule an appointment with a counselor from the comfort of your home. We give you the best guidance on a platform that prioritizes your health. This way, you can be sure that the best treatment can be available. With this system in place, you don't need to feel the anxiety of going through the list of many doctors. The system suggests the best ones to treat your condition, and you can move forward with one by booking an appointment from the available slots according to your convenience.

After you have made the payment, one of our Customer Care Executives sends an instant confirmation message to you. We provide you with the online meeting link and a reminder of when your virtual appointment is scheduled for so that it becomes easy for you to show up on time and seek the necessary treatment and guidance. From there, we’ll help you take better care of your mental health and emotional well-being. Get started and book your first appointment today.