Claustrophobia is a situational phobia triggered by an irrational and intense fear of tight or crowded spaces. It can be triggered by things like being locked in a windowless room, being stuck in a crowded elevator, or driving on a congested highway.

Claustrophobia is one of the most common phobias. If someone experience claustrophobia, they feel panic attack, although claustrophobia isn’t a panic disorder. For some people, claustrophobia may disappear on its own. Others may need therapy to manage and cope with their symptoms.

SYMPTOMS OF CLAUSTROPHOBIA

Symptoms of claustrophobia appear following a trigger for the phobia, such as being in a closed room or a crowded space. 

Symptoms of claustrophobia can include:

• sweating
• trembling
• hot flashes
• feeling intense fear or panic
• becoming anxious
• shortness of breath
• hyperventilation
• rapid heartbeat
• chest tightness or pain
• nausea
• feeling faint or lightheaded
• feeling confused or disorientated

These symptoms can be mild or severe. They also xperience:

• avoid triggering situations, such as riding in airplanes, subways, elevators, or in cars during heavy traffic
• automatically and compulsively look for the exits in every space you enter
• feel scared that the doors will shut while in room
• stand near or directly by the exits while in a crowded place

Many situations can trigger claustrophobia. Triggers may include:

• being in a small room without windows
• riding in an airplane or small car
• being in a packed elevator
• undergoing a MRI or CT scan
• standing in a large, but crowded room, like at a party or concert
• standing in a closet

Other places that can trigger claustrophobia include:

• public restrooms
• car washes
• revolving doors
• store dressing rooms
• caves or crawl spaces
• tunnels

CAUSES OF CLAUSTROPHOBIA

Claustrophobia could be related to dysfunction of the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that controls how we process fear. The phobia can also be caused by a traumatic event, such as:

• being stuck in a tight or crowded space for an extended period of time
• experiencing turbulence when flying
• being punished by being locked in a small space, like a bathroom
• being stuck on crowded public transportation
• being left in a tight space, like a closet, by accident

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR CLAUSTROPHOBIA

ACONITE : Useful for acute panic attacks in claustrophobic people. There is a fear of small places, crowded rooms and narrow streets.Useful when person gets anxious, restless with marked palpitations, and fears collapse. 

ARSENIC ALBUM : Useful for claustrophobia with fears, anxiety, and restlessness.

PULSATILLA : Useful for claustrophobia where the person has a fear of closed rooms and feels suffocated. It helps to open a window in the room.

LACHESIS : Useful for claustrophoba patient who cannot bear tight clothing, collars or bands around the neck for fear of suffocation.

ARGENTUM NITRICUM : Useful for claustrophobia with anxiety triggered by thinking about the closed, narrow rooms or places in which they are yet to go.e.t.c