Fear of claustrophobia (agoraphobia) – causes, symptoms & therapy

Called claustrophobia, it is the fear of wide open spaces and large public crowds. Those affected fear that they will not be able to leave such places quickly enough if they need help, or that they will find themselves in embarrassing situations.

Such situations can be, for example, staying in crowds, public transport or in public places.

Fear of claustrophobia often occurs in connection with a panic disorder . Strong physical symptoms appear in the anxiety-provoking situations. Those affected then avoid these fear- or panic-triggering situations – for fear of the fear. Strictly speaking, claustrophobia is only a part of agoraphobia, because an agoraphobic is not only afraid of wide open spaces, but also of public and unfamiliar events.

causes

Fear of claustrophobia can have very different causes, which can often only be determined with certainty within the framework of psychotherapy. What is certain, however, is that agoraphobia is not innate, but is either learned over the course of life or triggered for the first time by a traumatic event and then established in everyday life.In many cases, sufferers report that without knowing what is happening to them, they came into an emergency among many people and then suffered from this anxiety disorder.

Specialists assume that agoraphobia can also occur as a result of genetically favorable circumstances and that claustrophobia can also occur due to incorrect upbringing.

It is also assumed that an anxiety disorder in the form of claustrophobia is a learned false reaction of the person concerned. Studies show that claustrophobia almost always occurs for the first time in times of great psychological stress, for example after separations, losses or when overwhelmed.

When to the doctor?

Discomfort with being in public places or in crowded areas is a temporary emotion for most people. A doctor is not needed if well-being returns within a short period of time or if the event is a one-off. In these cases, the person concerned is agitated and will learn to master the situation with their own resources.

However, if the person concerned experiences psychological strain due to fear or if he consciously avoids situations in which he is surrounded by several people, a doctor should be consulted. If there is a withdrawal from participation in social life, if various places are deliberately avoided or if complaints arise just thinking about the surrounding conditions, a doctor or therapist should be consulted.

Acute shortness of breath in a crowd, tachycardia, fear of dying or behavioral problems should be discussed with a doctor. Often there is an increase in anxiety over a longer period of time. They occur more frequently and are more intense. A doctor or therapist is needed once the sufferer is willing to work on the anxiety and want to make a change.

If the quality of life decreases due to the symptoms or if there are personality changes, therapeutic help is required.

symptoms and course

In the case of claustrophobia, the sum of the symptoms can be divided into three groups: physical symptoms, which are often perceived very strongly by those affected and which increase the fear, psychological symptoms, which are often only noticeable in those around the affected person, and symptoms that are reflected in behavior of the persons concerned and are perceived as a severe restriction of the quality of life.

Physical symptoms of agoraphobia include sweating , rapid heartbeat , nausea and dizziness , numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, or a dry mouth. The psychological symptoms of agoraphobia are expressed through constant thoughts about the possible dangers, depression , helplessness and low self-esteem. However, claustrophobia is most evident in the behavior of those affected. They avoid situations that trigger fear or leave them in a hurry and are reluctant to expose themselves to such situations unaccompanied. This can go so far that those affected can no longer leave their homes.

Diagnose

The diagnosis of claustrophobia should always be made by a specialist. Specialists in the field of psychiatry and psychotherapy are competent. Only these can rule out other diseases that have a similar clinical picture. The ICD (classification of diseases) is used to diagnose agoraphobia.

To put it simply, at least two of the following four points trigger fear in those affected: traveling unaccompanied, traveling far away, crowds of people and public, wide spaces. In most cases, agoraphobia first appears between the ages of 20 and 30. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more frequent and avoidance behavior and fear of fear become more apparent. In the worst case, claustrophobia ends in the complete social isolation of those affected.

treatment and therapy

Specialists see the chances of healing claustrophobia as very good. However, the basis for this is an exact diagnosis and a mostly lengthy therapy, which in some cases is supported by the taking of medication.

As a first therapeutic step, the patient is explained how fear arises and that physical symptoms are only a consequence of the fear and are not a sign of another illness. It is discussed how an anxiety attack with claustrophobia proceeds. Therapy can then begin.Exposure therapy is preferably used to treat agoraphobia. A distinction is made between two variants: systematic desensitization and floating.

In systematic desensitization, an anxiety scale is first established to enable communication between therapist and patient. Then, accompanied by their therapist, the person concerned consciously exposes himself to the situations that trigger fear and applies the relaxation techniques he has learned.

With flooting, the patient is exposed directly to the situation they perceive to be the worst and is supposed to endure it, again accompanied by their therapist. With both methods, a person affected learns that his claustrophobia has no rational reasons.

prevention

Fear of claustrophobia, like anxiety in general, is a very strong learning-related fear. It is therefore advisable not to avoid the triggering moments, as is often the first reflex of those affected, but to face the situation. When the first signs of agoraphobia appear, consulting a psychotherapist will help. This can treat claustrophobia right from the start.