In order to know the meaning of the term claustrophobia, it is necessary to discover, first of all, its etymological origin. In this case we can establish that it is a neologism that was formed from two clearly differentiated parts:
-The Latin word “claustrum”, which can be translated as “closed” or “bolt”.
-The Greek noun “phobia”, which is synonymous with “irrational fear of something”.
Starting from these two terms, claustrophobia was shaped in 1879 by Benjamin Ball, professor at the University of Paris.
Claustrophobia is the phobia experienced towards closed places . It is part of the so-called anxiety disorders , which occurs when the person suffers from anxiety that is pathological.
In the case of claustrophobia, fear and aversion arise when the individual is in a small environment, in a tunnel, in a cave or in an elevator, to name a few possibilities. The phobia is linked to the possible negative effects related to this type of space, such as running out of air.
Generally, claustrophobics try to avoid closed places since they feel vulnerable and without freedom. When accessing these types of places is unavoidable, you begin to have various sensations derived from the high level of anxiety : dizziness, tachycardia, suffocation, sweating, tremors, etc. Once you move away from what triggers your phobia, your anxiety is reduced and your symptoms disappear.
The development of claustrophobia usually occurs after a traumatic experience in a closed place. If a person suffers an accident in a tunnel and is trapped for ten hours until they are rescued, they may begin to feel panic when they are in a place without natural light and poor ventilation. Claustrophobia can also be contracted by witnessing or hearing a negative event like the one mentioned above.
The treatment of claustrophobia is carried out with therapy sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist. The professional tries to help the patient develop the necessary tools to control and modify the pathological reaction that is triggered by closed spaces and thus overcome fear.
Other important facts about claustrophobia are the following:
-The studies carried out on this fear must be established that indicate that, as a general rule, it is due to some type of traumatic situation experienced during childhood. Situation that led to the person being locked in a dark room, being locked inside a closet...
-Having thoughts that you are going to run out of air or that you are going to die, chest pain, nausea or even severe headaches are other symptoms that claustrophobics experience when faced with a situation that brings to light the fear they have. they feel.
-In addition to sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist, treatment may consist of the use of drugs, such as anxiolytics, or the use of relaxation tools as would be the case, for example, of so-called mindfulness, which in recent years years has achieved so much relevance.