Claustrophobia (also known as Claustrophobias): Persistent and irrational fear of enclosed places (e.g., elevators, closets, tunnels) or of being confined (e.g., in an airplane or the backseat of a car). Situations where enclosure or confinement may be encountered are often avoided or else endured with intense anxiety

NIH MeSH · D000098452Psychiatry and Psychology

Claustrophobia

Also known asClaustrophobias

Definition

Persistent and irrational fear of enclosed places (e.g., elevators, closets, tunnels) or of being confined (e.g., in an airplane or the backseat of a car). Situations where enclosure or confinement may be encountered are often avoided or else endured with intense anxiety or distress. The focus of fear is typically on panic symptoms triggered in these situations, such as feelings of being unable to breathe, choking, sweating, and fears of losing control. (From APA Dictionary of Psychology, accessed 11/8/2023)

MeSH classification

  • F03.080.725.313

Need clinical context, treatments, or patient-language explanation?

Ask GoDavaii AI about Claustrophobia

Related concepts

Agoraphobia

Obsessive, persistent, intense fear of places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing.

Common questions about Claustrophobia

What does Claustrophobia mean in medicine?
Persistent and irrational fear of enclosed places (e.g., elevators, closets, tunnels) or of being confined (e.g., in an airplane or the backseat of a car). Situations where enclosure or confinement may be encountered are often avoided or else endured with intense anxiety or distress. The focus of fear is typically on panic symptoms triggered in these situations, such as feelings of being unable to breathe, choking, sweating, and fears of losing control. (From APA Dictionary of Psychology, accessed 11/8/2023) This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Claustrophobia known by any other names?
Yes. Claustrophobia is also referred to as Claustrophobias in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Claustrophobia sit in the medical classification?
Claustrophobia falls under the broader medical category "Psychiatry and Psychology" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: F03.080.725.313). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Claustrophobia?
For a plain-language explanation of Claustrophobia - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Claustrophobia" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000098452) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗