Kim Kardashian BFF Jonathan Cheban Exits 'Celebrity Big Brother' due to Claustrophobia; 5 Things to Know About His Mental Condition

• comments
• 
• 

Jonathan Cheban, Kim Kardashian's BFF, has left “Celebrity Big Brother.” His surprising exit, however, is not because he was evicted from the show.

The departure was apparently 41-year-old Cheban's own decision, Perez Hilton reported.

"Jonathan Cheban has decided to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House," a spokesperson for UK's Channel 5 said.

Earlier, during Saturday's episode, Cheban explained that he was feeling “a little bit edgy and claustrophobic” about the situation in the house and decided to leave to take care of his mental well-being.

Apparently, being “claustrophobic” also affects celebrities.

What is Claustrophobia?

Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an irrational fear of being closed-in, or stuck inside a confined space with no room for escape, Medical News Today said. This disorder usually causes panic attacks, triggered by certain situations such as getting caught up in a crowded elevator, a small room with no windows or by being inside an airplane.

Some patients even have their anxiety levels rise when they wear tight-necked clothing.

What causes it?

The development of claustrophobia itself is so complex that it's likely both caused by something related to anxiety and developed separately in its own way, the Calm Clinic said.

Childhood experiences like being locked inside a closet as a child, as well as traumatic experiences possibly play a role in its development.

What could trigger claustrophobic anxiety attacks?

Being caught up in various stimuli, come of which include:

Elevators/lifts, shop changing rooms, tunnels, basements/cellars, subway trains, small rooms, hotel rooms with windows that do not open, revolving doors, airplanes, public toilets, locked rooms, cars - especially if they have central locking, trains, crowded areas, automatic car-washes, and even some medical devices, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners.

What are its signs and symptoms?

It has various symptoms, such as increased sweating, accelerated heart rate, increased blood pressure, dizziness, dry mouth, Hyperventilation or over-breathing, hot flashes, shaking or trembling, having “butterflies in your tummy”, chills, panic attacks, light-headedness, nausea, fainting, headache, numbness, fear of actual harm or illness, chocking sensation, tightness in the chest, sometimes chest pain, an urge to go to the toilet, and confusion and/or disorientation.

Can it be treated?

There are various ways to treat claustrophobia, according to Better Health. Choosing the method depends on the person involved. Methods include:

- Flooding (might by scary for patients);
- Counter-conditioning (also known as systematic desensitisation);
- Modelling;
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT); and
- Taking Medications.

Hopefully Cheban feels better now.

What do you think? Do you think Cheban should have stayed in the house or not? Share your opinions in the comments section below.