Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by a persistent, irrational fear of enclosed or crowded spaces. It is classified as a specific phobia in the DSM-5-TR and ICD-10. People with claustrophobia may experience intense anxiety or a panic attack when confronted with restricted spaces such as elevators, tunnels, trains, or crowded rooms. Avoidance of such situations is common and can substantially impair daily functioning, work, or travel. Symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, sweating, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness, chest tightness, nausea, or the feeling of losing control or suffocation. The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger and is persistent for six months or more.

Diagnosis is typically based on clinical evaluation, with criteria including marked fear about or avoidance of enclosed spaces, significant distress or impairment, and duration of at least six months. The fear is not better explained by another medical condition or another mental disorder.

Causes are believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition, learned responses from childhood experiences, trauma, and neurobiological factors that affect how the brain processes fear, including amygdala activity and related circuits.

Treatment options include evidence-based psychotherapies, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure-based techniques. Systematic desensitization, gradual in-vivo exposure, and, when available, virtual reality exposure can be effective. Pharmacotherapy is not first-line but may be used for short-term relief or to treat coexisting conditions; SSRIs are commonly used, and benzodiazepines may be considered cautiously in some cases.

Prognosis varies; many individuals improve with treatment, especially with early intervention, though some may have persistent symptoms. Claustrophobia is among the more common forms of specific phobias.