Question:
I have a friend who suffers from a mild case of
claustrophobia. It never really seemed to severe but
when we were out Christmas shopping--with more
people in the stores--I began to realize how much of
a problem it really was for her. My question is this:
I'm aware that it is a learned response and something
she has to get over on her own long term, but is
there any kind of way that I can help during an
attack, like a home remedy or something?
Dr. Heller's Answer:
The sensation of claustrophobia is totally
unbearable. Sometimes it’s a learned response, but
not always.
Psychotherapy, especially desensitization, helps many
people. SSRI medications like Prozac (fluoxetine)
often have dramatic results. Sometimes other anxiety
disorders also have to be treated such as panic
disorder, the cognitive generalized anxiety disorder,
OCD, OCPD, etc.
As needed medication for the attacks can be helpful.
Hyperventilation is commonly associated with these
attacks. If it is, particularly if the fingertips
and lips are tingling, breathing for 10 minutes into
a paper bag will help.
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