WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR CLAUSTROPHOBIA? Ask The Doctor Dr. Leland Heller Biological Unhappiness WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR CLAUSTROPHOBIA? Question: I have a friend who suffers from a mild case of claustrophobia. It never really seemed to severe but when we were out Christmas shopping–with more people in the stores–I began to realize how much of a problem it really was for her. My question is this: I’m aware that it is a learned response and something she has to get over on her own long term, but is there any kind of way that I can help during an attack, like a home remedy or something? Dr. Heller’s Answer: The sensation of claustrophobia is totally unbearable. Sometimes its a learned response, but not always. Psychotherapy, especially desensitization, helps many people. SSRI medications like Prozac (fluoxetine) often have dramatic results. Sometimes other anxiety disorders also have to be treated such as panic disorder, the cognitive generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, OCPD, etc. As needed medication for the attacks can be helpful. Hyperventilation is commonly associated with these attacks. If it is, particularly if the fingertips and lips are tingling, breathing for 10 minutes into a paper bag will help. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Ask the Doctor Home MENU: Screening Test “Ask the Doctor” (BPD)Borderline Personality Disorder Annual Updates Biological Unhappiness Disorders & Official Criteria Dr. Heller’s C.V. & Picture How Dr. Heller Got Involved If You Want to See Dr. Heller as a Patient Testimonials Table of Contents for the Book ‘Biological Unhappiness’ How to Order “Life at the Border” Why Read ‘Biological Unhappiness’? Goals AD(H)D and Relationships BPD, Bipolar or ADHD? Suicide What if BuSpar makes me anxious or ill? A Suicide Attempt Per Minute in the US Grandparents raising Grandchildren Information About Children What Signs are there that Someone May ‘SNAP’? TV & Cartoon Characters with Depression & Other Disorders Dr. Heller’s Office Website Dr. Heller’s Lectures Mentally Healthy People Retraining the Brain Today is a Gift Reviews Links Webrings Site Index Home Video DVDs now available! You can watch and listen to Dr. Heller in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Provides full explanations and treatment descriptions of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – 90 minutes, other Biological Unhappiness disorders – 90 minutes. Click here to find out more about Dr. Heller’s educational videos. “Biological Unhappiness” “Open this book and it will open your mind. By combining proven medical procedure with hope and inspiration, Dr. Heller has made a significant difference in thousands of patients who had little hope for recovery. “Biological Unhappiness” contains critical information for those who have lost hope.”Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker, author, See You at the Top, Over the Top, Success for Dummies, Raising Positive kids in a Negative World. Dr. Leland Heller Dyslimbia Press, Inc. 1713 US Hwy 441 N, Suite E Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-467-8771 Email: Hours: M-Thu. 8:30AM-5PMFri. 8:30AM-12 Noon*(*During November through April, the office is open until 3PM on Fridays.) All material not explicitly credited otherwise is copyrighted © 1999-2011 Dr. Leland Heller. All Rights Reserved. May not be duplicated without the permission of Dr. Leland Heller or Dyslimbia Press. Biological Unhappiness, BiologicalUnhappiness.com, & Dyslimbia Press are trademarks of Dr. Leland HellerDesigned and/or hosted by the webmasters at: US-Webmasters.com (TM) Start here to find it FAST!(TM)