Phobias Types Managing Claustrophobia During Medical Procedures By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial process Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on January 24, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD on January 24, 2020 Print Dana Neely/The Image Bank/Getty Images If you suffer from claustrophobia, or the fear of enclosed spaces, you may be afraid to undergo some important medical tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI. For this reason, claustrophobia can actually be dangerous. A wide variety of medical tests and procedures may trigger claustrophobia. Rather than avoid these tests and put your health at risk, you need to learn how to successfully manage your fear. Symptoms Like any other phobia, claustrophobia may be mild or severe. Some people are afraid only of extremely tight enclosures, while others become uncomfortable in crowded rooms or in roller coaster restraints. In extreme cases, sufferers may be unable to completely close a bathroom or kitchen door. Triggers For many claustrophobia sufferers, MRIs cause the most fear. The procedure requires that you lay virtually immobile in a tight, loud chamber for up to an hour. A typical MRI chamber is much bigger and more imposing than a CT tube, and the typical scan time is a lot longer, too. Many medical procedures require that you stay extremely still. Actual or simulated restraints may be used to keep you still and the treatment site sterile. Plus, certain procedures, such as CT scans, involve sliding into a hollow tube on a gently moving table. Strategies for Managing Claustrophobia Despite your fear of a CT scan or an MRI, medical procedures are an important part of life. It's extremely dangerous to neglect your health due to a phobia. You may need professional assistance to manage your claustrophobia if it's keeping you from getting medical tests. If your fear is mild to moderate, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for any medical procedure. Tell your primary care doctor about your phobia. They can help you prepare by explaining an upcoming procedure in detail and letting you know what to expect. Ask to see the equipment in advance. For many people, just seeing the machine and how it operates can help to reduce anticipatory anxiety. You may even be permitted to lie on the table or watch a technician turn on the equipment. Inquire about distractions. Some facilities now provide music, soothing images or even movies for patients undergoing anxiety-producing tests. A few even go so far as to recreate a peaceful beach scene or another pleasant environment within the testing room. Ask about chemical sedation. Some doctors prescribe mild tranquilizers for certain patients undergoing these procedures. Of course, this will depend on your personal health history and the requirements of the particular procedure. Many doctors will not provide anything stronger, such as general anesthesia, although this opinion may vary through the medical community. Discuss alternatives. Some facilities now offer "Open MRIs," which eliminate the closed chamber. You'll still be enclosed, but you'll have access to fresh air and light. If your fear is not severe, this type of MRI may be tolerable. In addition, alternative types of imaging procedures may be acceptable for some conditions. Discuss the risks and benefits of possible alternatives with your physician. If you or a loved one are struggling with claustrophobia, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. A Word From Verywell Claustrophobia responds extremely well to treatment and management procedures. If your claustrophobia is impacting your life, it's important to seek the advice of a qualified mental health professional. With some effort, you can successfully overcome claustrophobia and get the CT scans, MRIs, and other medical tests you need. Ways to Address Your Fear of Small Spaces Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Ever wonder what your personality type means? Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Napp AE, Enders J, Roehle R, et al. Analysis and prediction of claustrophobia during MR imaging with the claustrophobia questionnaire: an observational prospective 18-month single-center study of 6500 patients. Radiology. 2017;283(1):148-157. doi:10.1148/radiol.2016160476 Thorpe S, Salkovskis PM, Dittner A. Claustrophobia in MRI: the role of cognitions. Magn Reson Imaging. 2008;26(8):1081-1088. doi:10.1016/j.mri.2008.01.022