Claustrophobia is the fear of being enclosed in small spaces. It is a specific phobia, which is a type of anxiety disorder. People with claustrophobia may experience panic attacks when they are in enclosed spaces, and they may avoid these spaces altogether. In some cases, claustrophobia can be so severe that it can interfere with a person’s daily life.
There are many different ways to get claustrophobia. Some people develop it after experiencing a traumatic event, such as being trapped in a small space. Others develop it gradually over time, as a result of repeated exposure to enclosed spaces. There is also a genetic component to claustrophobia, so it is possible to inherit the condition from a parent.