Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Claustrophobia

4-minute read

Key facts

  • Claustrophobia is the fear of being in an enclosed space.
  • Common situations that can trigger claustrophobia include being in lifts, tunnels, cars, planes or crowded rooms.
  • Claustrophobia can cause intense anxiety and/or panic attacks.
  • Panic attacks can cause overwhelming feelings of anxiety, as well as physical symptoms, such as a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath and sweating.
  • Claustrophobia can be successfully treated with psychological therapies. This includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and self-exposure therapy.

What is claustrophobia?

Claustrophobia is a type of phobia. A phobia is an irrational or disproportionate fear of an object, activity or situation. People who are claustrophobic have an intense, irrational fear of enclosed spaces.

Being claustrophobic is a very individual experience. Some people only feel mildly anxious when they are in a confined or crowded space. Others feel extremely anxious and can experience a panic attack.

Many situations can trigger claustrophobia, including being in:

  • lifts
  • tunnels
  • trains and planes
  • crowded rooms or rooms with no windows
  • public toilets
  • cars with central locking

What are panic attacks?

Claustrophobia commonly causes panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear. The physical and mental sensations can be overwhelming.

Along with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, panic attacks can cause physical symptoms such as:

Not everyone with claustrophobia will have panic attacks.

How does claustrophobia affect people’s lives?

Claustrophobia can make people feel very uncomfortable and anxious in confined spaces. Panic attacks may be so frightening that a person might try to avoid situations where an attack happened.

People with claustrophobia might change their behaviour and routines because of the fear of having a panic attack. In severe cases, some people may not feel able to leave their home. If this happens, it’s important to seek help.

How is claustrophobia treated?

Claustrophobia can be successfully treated.

Your doctor may advise you try psychological treatment (talking therapies) such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Your therapist may also recommend a type of therapy known as desensitisation, or self-exposure therapy. In self-exposure therapy, you gradually expose yourself to the situation which usually causes you fear, and in time, your anxiety decreases.

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

Your doctor can advise you about which treatment options which may suit you.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2022


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

What are panic attacks? | Anxiety | ReachOut Australia

Have you been experiencing panic attacks? Find out more about what causes a panic attack and what you can do to manage them with ReachOut.

Read more on ReachOut.com website

Claustrophobia - Better Health Channel

With appropriate treatment, it is possible to overcome claustrophobia or any other phobia.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Specific phobias - Beyond Blue

People with specific phobias are often aware that their fears are exaggerated or irrational, but feel their reaction is automatic or uncontrollable

Read more on Beyond Blue website

Anxiety and teenagers - ReachOut Parents

Learn about anxiety in teenagers, its types, risk factors and symptoms. Find out how anxiety can affect your teen at ReachOut Parents.

Read more on ReachOut.com website

Childhood phobias

Find out more about childhood phobias, what you can do to overcome your child's fears and when you may need to consult a professional for your child's phobia.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Anxiety - Finding North

People experiencing anxiety disorder usually experience anxiety for much longer than others, and the disorder gets stronger and affects their lives.

Read more on Finding North website

Treatments for Anxiety Disorders - Black Dog Institute

Left untreated, anxiety can last for a long time. There are a range of effective treatments for anxiety, and you can get better.

Read more on Black Dog Institute website

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a form of anxiety that occurs in certain social situations (e.g. public speaking, meeting new people) which can lead to people avoiding those social situations. Find out more about SAD and treatment options

Read more on Mental Health Online website

Anxiety Disorders | Anxiety Signs and Symptoms | IBD Clinic

Anxiety is mental state characterised by a sense of worry or anticipation over a future concern. Anxiety disorders deviate from normal worry or nervousness

Read more on Mindovergut.com website

Anxiety a Psychological State | Dealing with Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety is a psychological state characterised by feelings of worry or anticipation over anticipated future concerns. Dealing with Stress and Anxiety

Read more on Mindovergut.com website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.