“Is fear of closed spaces a real disorder?”
I have been observing that the minute my daughter is in a closed space like an elevator she gets very nervous. In fact yesterday I even saw that she was sweating in the elevator and was very uncomfortable. She is now almost 4 years old. Could she be having a fear of closed spaces?
11 Answers
This answer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute treatment.
Fear of small, enclosed spaces, also called claustrophobia, is a very really phobia. Given the sweating and seeming nervousness, your theory seems likely. Have you asked her about how she feels in elevators? You can also ask her about other similar spaces she has been in (closets, small bathrooms, etc).
If she does seem to have a phobia, and it isn't that she just a little uncertain what to do inside an elevator where most people are weirdly silent, then you can talk with a therapist who specializes in anxiety and phobia about possibly treating her for the condition.
Fear of small, enclosed spaces, also called claustrophobia, is a very really phobia. Given the sweating and seeming nervousness, your theory seems likely. Have you asked her about how she feels in elevators? You can also ask her about other similar spaces she has been in (closets, small bathrooms, etc).
If she does seem to have a phobia, and it isn't that she just a little uncertain what to do inside an elevator where most people are weirdly silent, then you can talk with a therapist who specializes in anxiety and phobia about possibly treating her for the condition.
Oh yes, clostrophobia (fear of closed spaces) is a VERY real disorder. In a youngster, generally the best way of helping her is with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy given by a child psychologist or social worker who is a specialist in this field. Untreated, the problem will likely grow worse over time. So it is well worth your while to get her the help she needs now.
Yes it is a disorder (Specific Phobia is the term). It could be the space or the fact that it moves up (heights). It would be important to take her to a mental health profession who works with children with anxiety.
Yes, it is called claustrophobia and is an anxiety-based illness. There are some good therapies. I would recommend consulting with your daughter's pediatrician for a possible referral to a child psychologist if the fear is disrupting many areas of her life.
Yes, fear of closed places, such as elevators, is claustrophobia. The treatment of choice is behavioral therapy.
The quick answer is probably yes - go see a therapist trained in dealing with phobias.
Deborah R. Wagner
Psychologist
She may. I’d consider what experiences she might have had in an enclosed space that frightened her; for example, was she locked in a closet while playing?
Jonathan W. Marcotte
Psychologist
I am sorry to hear about that! Yes, it is possible to be claustrophobic and those do sound like symptoms of anxiety, though I still know very little information. I would recommend teaching her relaxation skills for when she is in enclosed spaces, such as "deep breathing techniques" - Breath in through nose for 4 counts, hold breath for 4 counts, breath out through their mouth like they are breathing through a straw for 8 counts. If this problem persists and impacts her functioning at home or school, then I recommend child play psychotherapy to help her work through these fears. I hope this helps!
I'd say that you are onto something. We don't have symptoms for no reason. Maybe you can figure out together what closed space she endured. Believe it or not, it could even be the womb if she had a difficult birth. If you can talk about it, it will help, especially if she recalls what happened. My husband experienced his brother sitting on a truck in which he was hiding when they played hide and seek. He was so traumatized he became fearful of closed spaces. If you can't find the conscious memory, you may want to move on and get her dance classes, so she can openly and freely express herself in the space around her.
Absolutely. It is quite common with many people. Try and reassure her when in those situations. You need to talk about it so she knows this is nothing bad, that many people deal with this. Try taking the steps if possible.
She should overcome this as she gets older and understands things in the world better. Not to worry, but talk to her. I used to service elevators and they are pretty safe.
