What causes onset/disappearance of claustrophobia?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the onset and disappearance of claustrophobia, particularly in relation to age and psychological triggers. The participant describes personal experiences with claustrophobia during childhood and later in life, specifically in confined spaces like MRI machines and narrow staircases. Key questions raised include the relationship between age and claustrophobia risk, neurological changes influencing this condition, and the availability of emergency medications for unexpected claustrophobic episodes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of consulting a medical professional for definitive answers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of claustrophobia and its psychological implications
  • Basic knowledge of neurological changes associated with anxiety disorders
  • Familiarity with emergency medications for anxiety management
  • Awareness of diagnostic tools like MRI and their psychological impact
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the correlation between aging and anxiety disorders, specifically claustrophobia
  • Explore neurological studies on the brain's response to confined spaces
  • Investigate medications such as benzodiazepines for acute anxiety relief
  • Review coping strategies for managing claustrophobia in real-time situations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for psychologists, mental health professionals, individuals experiencing claustrophobia, and anyone seeking to understand the psychological and neurological aspects of anxiety disorders.

Johninch
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As a child between 5 and 12 I sometimes couldn’t get to sleep because I saw the walls of the room closing in on me. It was very frightening. I suppose it was claustrophobia, but I didn’t have any other similar problems, for example I could climb up monuments and castles with very narrow winding staircases without any effects. Then at about 60 I got a big shock when having to lie in an MRI machine, because I could hardly stand the confinement. 5 years later I got another shock when climbing the staircase of a monument, which got narrower and narrower, but I made it and could just about get down.

So if my claustrophobia is coming back, I have 3 questions:
- Does the risk of claustrophobia increase with age?
- What changes in the brain take place to cause a tendency towards claustrophobia or a tendency away from claustrophobia in the same person?
- Is there a medicine which I can have in my pocket, just in case I get an unexpected attack in a plane, or if I want to climb a monument or take an MRI?

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