Claustrophobia - what is it? Causes, symptoms and treatment of claustrophobia

If you believe the experts, then literally some two hundred years ago, scientists knew absolutely nothing about mental disorders of all kinds. So, about people suffering with them, they simply said that they were not from this world and tried to isolate themselves from the surrounding society. However, it should be noted that at that time the percentage of such personalities was slightly lower than in the current situation. Today, an increasingly interesting diagnosis is called claustrophobia. What is this ailment? How to deal with it? This is exactly what we will detail in this article.

general information

Surely everyone will agree that the modern world literally teems with information overloads, causing increased pressure on the nervous system of absolutely every person. So, many people start to show different kinds of symptoms in the form of fear of people or a closed space. In general, all sorts of fears are considered a real scourge of society in the 21st century, as, for example, and all the known depression. The whole problem is the complexity of the world around us, as well as its multidimensionality and multidimensionality. That is why today very many people are diagnosed with "claustrophobia".

Causes

• Like all common psychological fears, this ailment has its own prerequisites. It should be noted that scientists from all over the world are still arguing about them, which, in turn, does not allow for a truly qualitative breakthrough in the study of this sphere. Here everything depends entirely on the initial position of the researcher. For example, doctors tend to believe that at the heart of this disorder are violations in the work of the nervous system itself. So, we are talking about a reduced amygdala (part of the brain), which, in turn, is responsible for the so-called reaction of fear and subsequent actions.
• Psychogenetics see a completely different cause in the development of a disease called claustrophobia. What is this approach? They claim that initially in every person there are numerous phobias. More precisely, in a special genetic code that promotes survival and the instinct of self-preservation. Let's notice, that now the most part of these phobias simply is not necessary for the person as with time disappear objects of fear. However, on the other hand, it should be remembered that evolution is a rather lengthy process, and atavismes do not disappear as quickly, unfortunately, as much as it would like.

Opinion of psychologists

Psychologists have their own points of view on the development of such a diagnosis as claustrophobia. What are these theories? First of all, they say that the so-called personal space is to blame for everything. Of course, every person has it. However, the larger the size, the higher the likelihood of an attack. On the other hand, a large role in this issue is assigned to various kinds of trauma at the psychological level. For example, if a toddler stayed in a crowded place for a long time without parents, was afraid that he was abandoned forever, then in his later life he will try in every possible way to avoid repeating this feeling. We are not talking about cases of violence or even aggression in an enclosed space. Thus, certainly, claustrophobia can develop.

Symptoms and primary signs

1. Autonomic sensations. If you believe the experts, claustrophobia, like many other phobias, manifests itself in the form of specific seizures. So, at this moment a sick person may have a pulse and respiration, a marked increase in sweating, dizziness, even in some cases, nausea.
2. Fear. It is known that in the core of absolutely any phobia lies fear, claustrophobia is no exception. What does it mean? Most often a person is able to realize what he is afraid of (for example, to faint, suffocate, or never get out of a certain room). In some cases, the sense of anxiety is literally inexplicable, it simply prevents one from leading a normal life.
3. Desire to avoid enclosed space. This symptom, as a rule, manifests itself in absolutely everything. This is a reluctance to be in elevators, corridors, narrow rooms, in a word, in all spaces where there are so many people that even ordinary human bodies turn into a kind of walls pouring from all sides. The person suffering from this phobia will try by all unthinkable methods to avoid being in such an enclosed space, that is, to walk solely on the stairs, rarely to stay in crowded places, always to leave the doors open. Below we will consider useful recommendations of doctors on how to get rid of claustrophobia.

Therapy

Anyone who is exposed to this ailment wants to understand how to cure claustrophobia. Otherwise, there can not be a normal life, because you have to literally calculate your every step, based on the presence of this pathology. The dissatisfaction of one's own needs, the lack of the most ordinary opportunities for self-realization, the constant feeling of inferiority - all this sooner or later causes a person to think about how to overcome such a diagnosis as claustrophobia.

Why do you need a psychotherapist?

Treatment in the first place implies consulting with a psychotherapist. Only a qualified physician is able to select individual therapy, which in practice will prove effective. As a rule, it includes some medications, as well as psychological help. As for the first aspect, most often these are the so-called antidepressants. Note that only the doctor (no self-treatment!) Should prescribe them, and also prescribe the dosage and duration of the course. Below we will give some recommendations that are in addition to the general course of therapy of a pathology called claustrophobia. Treatment, of course, should also be present.

Useful recommendations of specialists

1. First of all, it is necessary to find the so-called primary source of fear. It's not enough just to know about what kind of situation provoked the development of the disease, it is also necessary to complete it, that is, to remove tension in the soul.
2. In addition, you can come up with a scheme that would allow you to fight another bout. So, psychologists advise to replace a darker picture with a lighter one. This means that at the moment of a direct attack you should think about something good, get positive emotions.
3. Try to communicate more with people. Meet with friends in cafes, walk in parks - all this also contributes to the accumulation of extremely positive emotions. Note that during an attack, you can call a friend and just talk.
4. Associate a closed space with something good if possible. For example, a robber or an enemy will never enter a closed room.

Conclusion

In this article we have considered the question of what constitutes claustrophobia. Treatment, we will notice, at the given illness it is simply necessary. The sooner you start a course of therapy, the faster you will be able to rejoice in your daily life. Do not hesitate to seek qualified help. After all, talking with a psychologist is somewhat better than a constant stay at home and fear of crowded spaces. Be healthy!