Treatment Claustrophobia

1 treatment

1.1 cognitive therapy
1.2 in vivo exposure
1.3 interoceptive exposure

treatment
cognitive therapy

cognitive therapy accepted form of treatment anxiety disorders. thought particularly effective in combating disorders patient doesn t fear situation but, rather, fears result being in such situation. ultimate goal of cognitive therapy modify distorted thoughts or misconceptions associated whatever being feared; theory modifying these thoughts decrease anxiety , avoidance of situations. example, cognitive therapy attempt convince claustrophobic patient elevators not dangerous are, in fact, useful in getting go faster. study conducted s.j. rachman shows cognitive therapy decreased fear , negative thoughts/connotations average of around 30% in claustrophobic patients tested, proving reasonably effective method.

in vivo exposure

this method forces patients face fears complete exposure whatever fear experiencing. done in progressive manner starting lesser exposures , moving upward towards severe exposures. example, claustrophobic patient start going elevator , work mri. several studies have proven effective method in combating various phobias, claustrophobia included. s.j. rachman has tested effectiveness of method in treating claustrophobia , found decrease fear , negative thoughts/connotations average of 75% in patients. of methods tested in particular study, far significant reduction.

interoceptive exposure

this method attempts recreate internal physical sensations within patient in controlled environment , less intense version of in vivo exposure. final method of treatment tested s.j. rachman in 1992 study. lowered fear , negative thoughts/connotations 25%. these numbers did not quite match of in vivo exposure or cognitive therapy, still resulted in significant reductions.

other forms of treatment have been shown reasonably effective psychoeducation, counter-conditioning, regressive hypnotherapy , breathing re-training. medications prescribed treat claustrophobia include anti-depressants , beta-blockers, relieve heart-pounding symptoms associated anxiety attacks.