Cleithrophobia

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Cleithrophobia (from Greek cleithro, "to shut or to close") (also known as cleithrophobia or cleisiophobia) is the fear of being trapped or being locked in an enclosed space. The individuals suffering from this fear might be able to enter rooms calmly provided that the fear of being closed in and being unable to leave at free will, does not exist in their minds.

The physical symptoms of cleithrophobia includes sweating, headaches, dizziness, nausea, tachycardia (rapid heartbeats), etc. The psychological symptoms are a feeling of dread, losing control or even dying.

The phobia's effects can be treated using therapeutic treatments, like hypnotherapy, counseling psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Medications should be avoided as they may cause long-term addicting effects. Understanding the nature of fear may be the best way to overcome this fear.

See also

• Claustrophobia – fear of being in a small space
• Stenophobia – fear of narrow things or places
• Agoraphobia – fear of being away from home