Elevator Phobia: Understanding Fear of Elevators & Claustrophobia

The medical term for fear of elevators is "elevator phobia" or "claustrophobia". Claustrophobia is a specific phobia characterized by fear and anxiety triggered by situations involving confinement or perceived confinement in small or enclosed spaces such as elevators, airplanes, or tunnels. Individuals with elevator phobia may experience intense anxiety, avoidance behaviors, panic attacks, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or feeling faint or nauseous when using or being in confined spaces. Treatments for claustrophobia include cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, among others.