If you get panicky in enclosed spaces or situations when you feel trapped, you’re not alone. Cleithrophobia is a well-understood and treatable problem. Learn more.

Cleithrophobia: Definition

Cleithrophobia is a fear of being trapped. It is a “specific phobia” (as opposed to a social phobia). Cleithrophobia can affect adults or children. The disorder involves significant symptoms of fear or anxiety when one is actually trapped, fears being trapped, or thinks about being trapped. These symptoms can include:

• racing heart
• elevated respiration rate or shortness of breath
• elevated blood pressure
• sweating
• dry mouth
• trembling or shaking, especially in extremities
• chest pain or muscle tension
• full panic attacks