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In this paper I have attempted to further elaborate on claustrophobic symptoms and character. A concept of a claustrophobic syndrome embodying all aspects of symptoms and behavior seems valid and useful. The claustrum is an ideal phobic object because of its availability in our world today, in many forms as well as its capacity symbolically to represent the interior of the female body or womb. Claustrophobia and agoraphobia seem to be present simultaneously in each case, represented by direct space symptom-atology or by symptoms concerning time, distance, decision, commitment, etc. Counter-phobic attitudes are frequently present in patients with underlying claustrophobic anxiety. Daredevils and escape artists are such examples. Abraham’s case of the imposter is reviewed in this light. The phenomenon of distancing present so frequently in patients with claustrophobia is described in several cases. Other phobias or obsessive compulsive behavior may also function to maintain a distance in a basically claustrophobic patient. A balance between symptoms and behavior is developed to control underlying oedipal and preoedipal wishes and fears. Imbalances when they occur may demand quantitative or qualitative symptom and behavioral adjustment. More primitive, defensive operations may appear to deal with uncontrolled anxiety. Some case material is used to demonstrate such reations.
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