So Ask Psyduck.

What exactly is…

C L A U S T R O P H O B I A ?

Jennifer Liao Pd. 1AP Psych Final

For Psyduck…Claustrophia involves… 1

.Fear o

f crow

ded

p

lace

s.

2. Fear of Enclosed Spaces

….!!

Psyduck also experiences frequent panic attacks if

stuck in 1. or 2.

His panic attacks usually consist of…

4.

Nau

sea.

5. Hyperventilation

6.

Exc

ess

ive S

weati

ng

7. D

ry M

ou

th

8.Heart

Palpitations

BADUMbadumBADUMbadumbADUMBADUM…

9. Inability to Think Clearly

10. Uncontrollable Shaking

This is all because when

Psyduck is in small or crowded

rooms, he feels that the walls or the people are closing in

on and smothering

him.

….!!

Psyduck loves doors. When he is in uncomfortable situations, he tends to

constantly focus his attention on the door or seek out places close to the door.

So Psyduck did his research.What exactly is claustrophobia?

Claustrophobia is a type of phobia (anxiety disorder) where the patient has a fear of confinement and suffocation.

What are the causes of claustrophobia?Claustrophobia usually develops after a traumatic experience (usually during childhood). The patient develops a conditioned response, irrational fear, to the experience.

Claustrophobia is a ‘situational disorder’ because the symptoms are only brought on by certain types of environments.

How many people suffer from this disorder?

Studies show that 5-7% of the world population (6

billion people) suffers from severe

claustrophobia; however, only a small percentage of people seek treatment for

their disorders.

Before MRI scannings, 30% of the population

expressed mild discomfort at lying in a confined

space for extended periods of time, indicating

extremely mild claustrophobia.

What other disorders are related to claustrophobia?

Claustrophobia is strongly linked to other types of anxiety

disorders, namely general anxiety disorder because all the

patients suffer panic attacks and uncontrolled anxiety. Many people with GAD also suffer

from claustrophobia, since a variety of sources can cause

them anxiety.

Diagnosing ClaustrophobiaThere have been 2 types of tests developed to diagnose claustrophobia:

Claustrophobia Scale- developed in 1979 and consists of 20 questions that determine anxiety levels and desire to avoid certain situations.

Claustrophobia Questionnaire- developed in 1993 by Taylor and Rachman and consists of 24 items that distinguish between symptoms stemming from fear of suffocation and fear of restriction.

Is t

his

dis

ord

er

treata

ble

?Though some psychologists say there is no definitive cure, three are several successful treatment options.

Many people understand that their claustrophobic actions are irrational, but their subconscious reaction is stronger than their rationale. Claustrophobia is a situational phobia. When people avoid their fears, their behavior only reinforces the phobic pattern.

Therapists help claustrophobics overcome their anxiety on the issue.

Common Methods of Treatment

Medication- phobics are prescribed a variety of drugs to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a pounding heart. Typically tranquilizers, beta blockers, and anti-depressants.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy- The patient is encouraged to confront and change the attitudes which lead to their fear and phobic behavior.

Counter-Conditioning- form of systematic desensitization where the patient is taught specific relaxation techniques when experiencing anxiety. A phobic trigger is introduced slowly, until the patient can confront the source of their phobia without anxiety.

Flooding- type of exposure therapy where the patient is exposed to their phobia, confined spaces, to gain the realization that they have overcome their worst fears.