Like any phobia, the severity of claustrophobia can vary widely from person to person.

You may experience symptoms in small rooms, crawl spaces, crowds, caves, and many other situations.

You might cry, yell, and attempt to get out of the situation by any means possible.

People standing in an elevator

Frederic Cirou / Getty Images

In addition, severe claustrophobia can lead to fears of fainting, losing control, or even dying.

Causes of Claustrophobia

Researchers are not yet certain what factors may cause claustrophobia.

Many speculate that it may be rooted in bad childhood experiences.

For example, claustrophobia can be a challenge when it comes to travel.

Treatment for Claustrophobia

Treatment for claustrophobia depends on the person and severity of symptoms.

There are various treatments available.

Medication

Your doctor or therapist may prescribe anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants to help manage your symptoms.

Exposure therapy is another treatment that can be effective.

The methods work together to help change both your behaviors and your feelings of fear.

You might try:

Some people find relief throughhypnosisand other alternative forms of treatment.

Others find that self-help methods such asvisualizationcan help them through claustrophobia attacks.

Keep in Mind

Claustrophobia can be debilitating if it’s not treated.

However, treatment is usually successful.

With help, you could work toward freeing yourself of this fear and enjoying life that much more.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Frequently Asked Questions

The exact causes are not known.

Like other phobias, geneticsand experiences can influence the development of the condition.

Over time and with repeated exposure, the fear eventually begins to diminish and fade.

Claustrophobia can range from feelings of mild anxiety to severe fear and panic.

When in an enclosed space, you might feel overwhelmed and fear losing control.

Although estimates vary, some have suggested that as much as 12.5% of people experience claustrophobia.

Vadakkan C, Siddiqui W.Claustrophobia.

In:StatPearls[Internet].

Garcia R.Neurobiology of fear and specific phobias.Learn Mem.

2013;3(4):e254.

2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195.