What is Closterophobia?

 

Famous Bollywood actor Salman Khan is afraid of lifts. As soon as he steps into the lift, he starts feeling nervous. Actually, Salman Khan suffers from a disease called claustrophobia. In this, one experiences fear in closed spaces. This problem is not limited to lifts only; patients of claustrophobia can feel fear in a crowded market, bus, or any closed space. Let us know about claustrophobia and its symptoms and treatment.

What is claustrophobia?

Claustrophobia is a mental condition in which a person feels fear and panic in closed and crowded places. This is a common phobia, which affects many people. As soon as the person comes out of such places, he starts feeling normal. The symptoms of claustrophobia depend on the individual and can be different for everyone.

Causes of Claustrophobia

The real cause of this disease is not yet fully understood, but according to experts, some of the major causes could be:

Genetic reasons: If someone in the family has claustrophobia, then this disease can also occur in other members.

Brain structure: Certain changes in the structure of the brain can also cause claustrophobia.

Traumatic experience or accident: A traumatic experience or accident in a confined space can cause this fear.

Symptoms of Claustrophobia

The symptoms of claustrophobia vary from person to person. Generally, some of its main symptoms are as follows:

Feeling scared or nervous in closed spaces. Sweating and increased heart rate. Difficulty breathing. Feeling dizzy and faint. Desire to leave the closed space immediately.

Treatment of claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is treatable. Here are some methods that can help relieve this problem:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps a person face his fears. Through this therapy, a person can learn to fight and control his fears.

Exposure therapy: In this therapy, an attempt is made to gradually make the person get used to living in closed spaces. With this, he slowly starts overcoming his fear.

Medications and self-techniques: Some medications can also help reduce the symptoms of claustrophobia. Apart from this, a person can also control his fear by adopting techniques like deep breathing, listening to music, and relaxation.