Treating Claustrophobia

Psychotherapy

The most common type of treatment for claustrophobia involves mental health counseling targeted to overcoming the fear and managing triggering situations.

Different types of strategies include:

• Relaxation and visualization techniques designed to calm the fear when in a claustrophobic environment
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) -an approach that involves learning to control the thoughts that occur when confronted with the fear-inducing situation in such a way as to change the reaction

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe drugs to control the panic and physical symptoms of claustrophobia. These include antidepressants and antianxiety agents. They will not cure the condition but are often very helpful when used together with psychotherapy.