Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is a type of anxiety disorder called a specific phobia. A phobia is an intense fear of something that is out of proportion to the actual danger. People with claustrophobia have a strong fear of enclosed spaces.

If you have claustrophobia, different types of situations may trigger your symptoms, for example, being in:

• lifts
• tunnels
• trains and planes
• crowded rooms or rooms with no windows
• cars with central locking
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines 

If you have claustrophobia, you may experience physical symptoms including:

• sweating or chills
• increased heart rate and high blood pressure
• dizziness, light-headedness or headache
• dry mouth or nausea
• chest tightness, chest pain or difficulty breathing
• an urge to urinate (wee)
• confusion

You may also have emotional symptoms, such as:

• feeling scared or anxious about being in small or enclosed spaces
• having a fear of being suffocated or trapped
• experiencing fear or anxiety that is much greater than any real danger

Claustrophobia is an individual experience. Some people only feel mildly anxious when they are in a confined or crowded space. Other people feel extremely anxious and can experience a panic attack.

The exact causes of claustrophobia are not fully understood. Your genetics and biology can make you more likely to develop anxiety disorders or specific phobias. Differences in how your brain processes fear and anxiety may also play a role.

If you experience feelings of fear which are ongoing and overpowering, you should see your doctor or a mental health professional. Your doctor will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend the best course of action.

To diagnose claustrophobia, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, health history and recent life changes. You should try to provide detailed answers about what you are experiencing.

Your doctor might:

• ask you about how claustrophobia affects your life
• give you a questionnaire to answer
• refer you for blood tests
• perform a physical check-up

Your doctor will check if there are other issues that might be causing your symptoms. 

They may also refer you to a specialist health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.

Claustrophobia can be successfully treated. There are different treatment options. Your doctor can help you find the right one for you.

Your doctor may recommend seeing a psychologist to help you manage your claustrophobia. A psychologist can use different types of talking therapy to help you. 

Your psychologist may use:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• exposure therapy
• other types of psychological therapy

CBT can help you manage a phobia by helping you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your fear.

Exposure therapy involves working with a health professional to slowly face situations that usually cause fear or anxiety.

Your doctor or psychiatrist might also prescribe medicines to manage some of the symptoms as part of your treatment.

Your healthcare team can advise you about which treatment options may suit you.

How can claustrophobia be prevented?

It may not always be possible to prevent claustrophobia. Gradually building confidence in enclosed spaces rather than avoiding them when you first notice the discomfort may help reduce fear and anxiety. 

Early support from a doctor or mental health professional can help identify symptoms before they become more severe. Learning coping strategies and ways to manage anxiety may also help.

Claustrophobia can make you feel very uncomfortable and anxious in enclosed spaces. It may affect your daily life if you start avoiding certain places, activities or situations because of your fear. 

If your anxiety or fear is affecting your day-to-day life, it is important to seek help.

People can learn coping strategies to manage their symptoms, such as controlled breathing, grounding techniques or gradually facing feared situations with support from a professional. 

Support from family, friends and mental health professionals can also help you feel safer and more confident in situations that trigger your fear.

Read more on Mental health helplines.

Claustrophobia can affect your quality of life and mental wellbeing if it is not recognised and managed early. You may start to avoid places or activities that trigger your fear, such as using lifts, travelling on public transport or having medical scans. This can make everyday life more challenging. With the right support, many people learn ways to manage their symptoms and feel more confident in enclosed spaces.

If you think you might have claustrophobia, speak to your doctor.

Beyond Blue offers advice on specific phobias (Opens in new tab) and social anxiety (Opens in new tab) as well as treatment options.

The Australian Psychological Society (Opens in new tab) offers phobia treatment options and contacts for people seeking help.

ReachOut (Opens in new tab) has phobia information and support for young people, parents and schools. Chat with a peer worker who understands (Opens in new tab).

This Way Up (Opens in new tab) — offers online evidence-based programs to improve the way you feel.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

WellMob Healing Our Way (Opens in new tab) provides social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Yarn Safe by headspace (for people aged 12 to 25 years) — chat online (Opens in new tab).