Claustrophobia - Definition and Overview

Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder that involves the fear of enclosed or confined spaces. Claustrophobes may suffer from panic attacks in situations such as being in elevators, trains or aircraft. Conversely, people who are prone to having panic attacks will often develop claustrophobia. If a panic attack occurs while they are in a confined space then they will be unable to escape the situation.

Claustrophobes may also fear being in crowds.

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.

The opposite of claustrophobia is agoraphobia

See also

• agoraphobia

• List of phobias

External link

• Government of Victoria's article on claustrophobia (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Claustrophobia_means_fear_of_enclosed_spaces?OpenDocument)

Example Usage of Claustrophobia