- Avoiding air travel and opting instead to drive places or to avoid trips that require air travel.
As the claustrophobia goes untreated, more and more situations may be avoided. The fear of having a panic attack can be overwhelming and some people with claustrophobia severely limit their activities and social interactions to make sure they do not place themselves in situations that may invoke a panic attack.
Treatment
Treatment for claustrophobia is the same as for other types of anxiety and can include relaxation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and medication as well as learning self help strategies.
Medication
Antidepressant medication is one of the most common prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders. Medications known as beta-blockers may also be used to reduce specific symptoms, such as heart palpitations.
Therapy
Therapy can help a person by teaching relaxation strategies for coping with symptoms. In addition therapy is used to learn about personal triggers and situations that can cause an anxiety attack to occur. Therapy also works on trying to change thought processes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This type of therapy often uses exposure therapy to help someone deal with stressful situations by gradually placing them in places that may cause a panic attack. This is done in a controlled environment, where the person feels safe. Once they have gone through one stage, they will be introduced to the next stage, allowing them to slowly readjust to stressful situations.
Self Help
- Learning relaxation techniques to help cope with anxiety symptoms.
- Understanding anxiety disorders
- Learning your personal triggers and understanding how you react to situations
- Joining support groups
Treatment is available. According to the Better Health Channel, treatment for claustrophobia normally lasts between eight to ten weeks, with two sessions per week. If you are experiencing problems due to claustrophobia, there is help available.
References:
“Claustrophobia”, 2007, Oct, Author Unknown, Better Health Channel, State of Victoria, Australia
“What is Claustrophobia?”. 2006, Feb 3, Christian Nordqvist, Medical News Today
“Claustrophobia”, 2008, Author Unknown, Epigee.org
