Bone Scans, MRIs, CTs May Trigger Claustrophobia
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If you experience symptoms of claustrophobia, you may feel afraid or anxious to undergo some important medical tests, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan, bone scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
While forgoing some activities due to your claustrophobia may be of no consequence, avoiding medical tests can be quite a different case. Delaying imaging can cause a health concern to go undiagnosed and for necessary treatment to be delayed.
What you are feeling is very real and in need of acknowledgement, but it should not prevent you from getting the medical care you need. There are many claustrophobia treatment options that can help mitigate your symptoms to make this process and other life experiences a bit easier.
It's perfectly normal to be a bit nervous about a bone scan, CT, or MRI, but sometimes these procedures can trigger symptoms of claustrophobia or a fear of enclosed spaces. Fortunately, you can take steps to manage your fears and get the medical tests and procedures you need. Medications, therapy, and relaxation techniques can help manage your claustrophobia.
The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) classifies claustrophobia as a type of anxiety disorder known as a specific phobia.
Diagnostic criteria for a specific phobia are as follows:
While many people fear being trapped, smothered, or unable to escape, certain criteria must be met in order for your symptoms to qualify as a specific phobia.
Like other phobias, claustrophobia can range in terms of symptom intensity. Each individual will have unique triggers and responses depending on a variety of factors.
Identifying your specific triggers can help you find appropriate resources and support. Claustrophobia may be triggered by a variety of situations including:
MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, and bone scans all require certain parts of your body to be enclosed or semi-enclosed in the specific machine so it can capture clear images of the area of interest. For some individuals with claustrophobia, this can incite high levels of fear, anxiety, and panic.
In addition, because it's important that you stay perfectly still, actual or simulated restraints may be used to remind you not to move during a scan. This can only add to one's feeling of being "trapped."
But those are not the only factors at play. According to research, the loudness and duration of time in the machine, as well as feelings of suffocation and fear of being injured, are the top reasons MRIs are dreaded by those with claustrophobia.
Studies indicate that CT scans and PET scans may feel triggering for those with claustrophobia as well.
CT scans and PET scans can trigger symptoms of claustrophobia prior to the scan, with symptoms continuing once the scan is complete even if the patient has experienced this type of procedure before.
Patients may experience anxiety during the screening process which may result in them moving more during the actual medical test.
This can impact the image quality of the scan and may lead to the patient having to do the procedure again, or having to stay in the machine for longer periods of time, thus increasing their anxiety even more.
High levels of anxiety can also be present post-procedure as patients wait for their test results. During this time, patients may also be grappling with mortality-related thoughts.
Claustrophobia related to bone scans, MRIs, CT, and other imaging procedures may be treated with psychotherapy and/or medication. It's important to take your time finding the best treatment for your unique needs so your symptoms can be managed.
This will obviously help you in a situation like one of these medical tests, but more importantly, it will help improve your overall quality of life with claustrophobia.
Medications may be prescribed to help you manage symptoms associated with claustrophobia. Often times, medications are prescribed alongside psychotherapy treatment.
Medications that may be used to treat symptoms of claustrophobia include:
SSRIs may be used for long-term treatment. In the short-term, benzodiazepines and beta-blockers can help you feel more relaxed during a bone scan, MRI, CT, or other procedure.
There are many psychotherapy treatment options available for claustrophobia. A mental health professional may help you better understand why your claustrophobia developed and how to manage your symptoms. They may also offer you appropriate resources and referrals.
Some treatment options and exercises include:
If you or a loved one is struggling with claustrophobia, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information regarding support and treatment facilities in your area.
Even though it may feel nerve-wracking to speak with your doctor about your symptoms of claustrophobia, keep in mind that they are there to help you and provide you with the best treatment possible.
If your treating physician is aware of your claustrophobia and/or general anxiety regarding a medical test, they can come up with solutions to help decrease your anxiety prior to the procedure.
It is also worth asking about alternative types of imaging procedures, which may be acceptable for some conditions.
Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of possible alternatives with your physician so you can make an informed decision regarding your medical care.
Preparing yourself ahead of time and the day of your procedure may help reduce your level of fear. Some things you should ask about include:
Some facilities offer open MRIs, which have no sides. Others have open upright MRIs, which eliminate the closed chamber and allow the patient to sit or stand.
Research indicates that those with claustrophobia experience a reduction of symptoms when using open or upright options versus a typical MRI.
When that is not possible, ask about entering the machine feet first. (This may be permitted depending on what part of the body is being scanned.)
For many people, just seeing the machine and understanding how it operates can help reduce anticipatory anxiety. You may even be permitted to lie on the table or watch a technician turn on the equipment.
Facilities may provide music, earplugs, and special headphones to help reduce the machine's sound and create a more peaceful environment. Some facilities may set up a relaxing beach scene or another pleasant environment within the testing room as well.
Because certain procedures may take awhile, it can be helpful to know when you have reached certain milestones. Typically technicians will check in every few minutes after each scan is taken, but you may also request to know when you have hit the halfway point.
It is totally normal to feel nervous about an upcoming medical procedure, especially one that involves holding still in a tight machine while scans are taken. Many people have fears of being trapped, smothered, or suffocated, but if your anxiety is strong enough that it is preventing you from seeking appropriate medical care, it's critical that you speak with your physician or a mental health professional.
Keep in mind that health care providers understand claustrophobia and are there to support you so you can get the best care possible.
American Psychiatric Association (APA). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.
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By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics.
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