If you believe the experts, then literally some two hundred years ago, scientists knew absolutely nothing about mental disorders of various kinds. So, about people suffering from them, they simply said that they were not from this world and tried to isolate them from the surrounding society. However, it should be noted that in those days the percentage of such individuals was slightly lower compared to the current situation. Today, an interesting diagnosis called claustrophobia is increasingly being made. What is this ailment? How to deal with it? This is what we will describe in the most detail in this article.
general information
Surely everyone will agree that the modern world is literally teeming with information overloads, causing increased pressure on the nervous system of absolutely every person. So, many people begin to manifest various kinds of symptoms in the form of fear of people or closed space. In general, all kinds of fears are considered the real scourge of society in the 21st century, as, for example, depression is well-known to everyone. The whole problem lies in the complexity of the world around us, as well as its multidimensionality and diversity. That is why today many people are diagnosed with claustrophobia.
Causes
- Like all common psychological fears, this ailment has its own premises. Note that scientists from around the world are still arguing about them, which, in turn, does not allow a truly qualitative breakthrough in the study of this field. Here everything depends entirely on the initial position of the researcher. For example, doctors tend to believe that the basis of this disorder are disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system itself. So, we are talking about a reduced tonsil (part of the brain), which, in turn, is responsible for the so-called reaction of fear and subsequent actions.
- Psychogenetics see a completely different reason in the development of a disease called claustrophobia. What is this approach? They argue that initially, absolutely every person has numerous phobias. More precisely, in a special genetic code that contributes to the survival and instinct of self-preservation. Note that now most of these phobias are simply not needed by a person, since over time the objects of fear disappear. However, on the other hand, it should be remembered that evolution is a rather lengthy process, and atavisms do not disappear as quickly, unfortunately, as we would like.
The 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 argue that the so-called personal space is to blame. Of course, every person has it. However, the larger its size, the higher the likelihood of an attack. On the other hand, a large role in this matter is given to various kinds of injuries at the psychological level. For example, if a baby has been in a crowded place without parents for a long time, was afraid that he would be abandoned forever, then in his next life he will do his best to avoid repeating this feeling. We are not talking about cases of violence or even aggression in a confined space. Thus, claustrophobia can certainly develop.
Symptoms and primary signs
- Vegetative sensations. According to experts, claustrophobia, like many other phobias, manifests itself in the form of specific seizures. So, at this moment, the patient’s pulse and breathing may increase, sweating noticeably intensifies, dizziness appears, even in some cases nausea.
- Fear. It is known that fear is laid in the core of absolutely any phobia, and claustrophobia is no exception. What does it mean? Most often, a person is able to realize what exactly he is afraid of (for example, to faint, suffocate or never get out of some room). In some cases, the feeling of anxiety is literally inexplicable, it simply interferes with a normal lifestyle.
- The desire to avoid confined spaces. This symptom, as a rule, manifests itself in absolutely everything. This 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 pushing from all sides. A person suffering from this phobia will try by all unthinkable methods to avoid being in such a confined space, that is, to walk exclusively on stairs, rarely stay in crowded places, always leave the doors open. Below we will consider the useful recommendations of doctors on how to get rid of claustrophobia.
Therapy
Anyone who is prone to this ailment still wants to understand how to cure claustrophobia. Otherwise, there cannot be a normal life, because you have to literally calculate your every step, based on the presence of this pathology. Dissatisfaction with one’s own needs, lack of the most common opportunities for self-realization, a constant feeling of inferiority - all this sooner or later makes a person think about how to overcome such a diagnosis as claustrophobia.
Why is a psychotherapist needed?
Treatment primarily means consulting with a therapist. Only a qualified doctor is able to select individual therapy, which will actually be effective in practice. As a rule, it includes some medications, as well as psychological assistance. As for the first aspect, most often these are the so-called antidepressants. Note that only a doctor should prescribe them (no self-medication!), 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 pathology therapy called claustrophobia. Treatment certainly must also be present.
Useful recommendations of specialists
- First of all, it is necessary to find the so-called primary source of fear. It is not enough just to know about exactly what situation provoked the development of the disease, it is also necessary to complete it, that is, remove tension in the soul.
- In addition, you can come up with a scheme that would allow you to deal with another attack. So, psychologists advise replacing the dark image with a lighter one. This means that at the time of the immediate attack you should think about something good, get positive emotions.
- Try to communicate more with people. Meet friends in a cafe, walk in parks - all this also contributes to the accumulation of extremely positive emotions. Note that during an attack, you can phone a friend and just talk.
- Associate a confined space whenever possible with something good. For example, a robber or an enemy will never penetrate a closed room.
Conclusion
In this article, we examined the question of what is claustrophobia. Treatment, we note, with this disease is simply necessary. The sooner you start a course of therapy, the faster you will be able to enjoy normal life again. Do not be shy to seek qualified help. After all, a conversation with a psychologist is somewhat better than a permanent stay at home and a fear of crowded spaces. Be healthy!