Claustrophobia Health Dictionary

Fear of going into open spaces or public places.

Agoraphobia (see phobia) may occur with claustrophobia.

If sufferers do venture out, they may have a panic attack, which may lead to further restriction of activities.

People with agoraphobia may eventually become housebound.

Treatment with behaviour therapy is usually successful.

Antidepressant drugs may be helpful.... agoraphobia

A persistent, irrational fear of, and desire to avoid, a particular object or situation. Many people have minor phobias. A phobia is considered a psychiatric disorder when it interferes with normal social functioning. Simple phobias (specific phobias) are the most common. These may involve fear of particular animals or situations, such as enclosed spaces (claustrophobia). Animal phobias usually start in childhood, but others develop at any time. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the wishes of the individual.

Agoraphobia is a more serious phobia, often causing severe impairment. The disorder usually starts in the late teens or early 20s. Social phobia is fear of being exposed to scrutiny, such as a fear of eating or speaking in public. This disorder usually begins in late childhood or early adolescence.

Causes of phobias are unknown. Simple phobias are thought by some to be a form of conditioning. For example, a person with a fear of dogs may have been frightened by a dog in childhood.

Exposure to the feared object or situation causes intense anxiety and, in some cases, a panic attack. Phobias may be associated with depression or obsessive– compulsive behaviour. Treatment may be with behaviour therapy and sometimes antidepressant drugs.... phobia

n. 1. a device to ensure a supply of fresh air. 2. (respirator) equipment that is manually or mechanically operated to maintain a flow of air into and out of the lungs of a patient who is unable to breathe normally. Positive-pressure ventilators blow air into the patient’s lungs; air is released from the lungs when the pressure from the ventilator is relaxed (see BiPAP; Nippy; noninvasive ventilation). Negative-pressure ventilators are airtight containers in which the air pressure is decreased and increased mechanically. This draws air into and out of the patient’s lungs through the normal air passages. The original devices, known colloquially as iron lungs, had a seal around the neck and enclosed the whole body except the head. They have been replaced by cuirass ventilators, which work on a similar principle but enclose the chest only; there may be a role for these in adults and children with claustrophobia.... ventilator