The Article Database

Generally speaking, a claustrophobic is actually a man or woman having an irrational fear (phobia) of small, cramped spaces, or struggle to escape from a small space. Normally, claustrophobia will manifest itself in any of a number of related ways: Fear of being unable to exit a car, fear of suffocating in an enclosed space, fear of being trapped by a malfunctioning elevator, fear of tunnels, mineshafts, etc. In extreme cases, this phobia can manifest itself completely, and confrontations with cars, small rooms or elevators might be severely traumatic for the phobic individual.

The specific causes of claustrophobia (and plenty of severe phobias generally) remain unidentified, but are thought by researchers caused by a combination of both physiological factors (possible brain malfunction, specifically in the amygdala area) and psychological conditioning factors (one or more traumatic childhood experiences of being trapped or confined to a small space, etc.), and the onset of MRI study of this and related phobias recently has shed much light on the subject, with results suggesting a host of possible new therapeutic methods. At the moment, treatment for claustrophobia is restricted largely to classical cognitive therapy (working through the phobia and the reasoning behind it methodically with a counselor) and exposure to the phobia in vivo (direct controlled exposure to the source of the phobia with the goal of exposing the irrational nature of the fear to the patient). The past several years also have seen the advent of introceptive exposure, by which some of the good thing about direct exposure is maintained while the risk of further traumatic experience as a result of direct exposure is lessened, as well as various treatments utilizing virtual reality simulation, which have been particularly effective in the treatment of claustrophobics specifically.

Though these methods have been fairly effective clinically (with direct exposure being the most effective), none has been totally successful at treating claustrophobic (particularly in the most severe cases), and it remains to be seen whether more effective direct neuroscientific treatments can be developed. Continuing research in this field looks hopeful: It is currently fairly well understood that flight responses in the brain are mediated through the amygdala. It is hoped that further research in this area will yield positive results.

It is difficult to determine the root cause of this problem to many people. Exposure treatment can absolutely help to treat their condition. By exposing these men and women to what heightens their anxiety level could seriously help them change their perception on things which they feel are harmful.
The situation remains grim for claustrophobia sufferers, especially in the severe cases where treatment has been ineffective. Fears of suffocating in confined spaces, being trapped in overturned cars or trains, elevator replacement parts breaking down, etc., may be paralyzing for patients, with fears triggered by the mere sight of car or elevator products in the most severe cases.

About the Author:
Commonly known as ascensores residenciales or ascensores hidraulico in Spanish, or just home elevators, they now are a residential feature to be seriously considered. They are durable, steady, and reliable; and above all, safe. Today, reasonably affordable and professionally installed/maintained ones are the features of choice for so many homeowners.