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Fear of Restricted Movement of Specific Limbs

by Erik
(Latvia)

Photo Credit: Becky McKimmy

O.K., so the title pretty much gave it away.

As long as I can remember, I have had to fight feelings of panic if the movement of my arms is restricted by clothing, typically this would happen with a (tight) pullover type sweater or even a normally fitting t-shirt if it has become wet.

I am not sure if it is really an issue of my arms being restricted or if it is the feeling of PHYSICAL helplessness that really scares me. (I accept philosophically with no undue feelings of anxiety potentially life threatening situations which I cannot directly influence, including two emergency landings on commercial aircraft.

I have not had problems other than with clothing, even with handcuffs fastened in front, though I think I might panic of they were handcuffed behind or if I was restrained in a manner that would leave me helpless. This suspicion is strong enough that I have no intention of trying it ;D

When this happens, the feeling of panic is very strong, though I can control it.

What I am searching for is the proper term. Some have suggested that this is a (mild) form of claustrophobia, but I do not have any problem at all with small, enclosed or crowded spaces, as long as I can move my arms freely, which I imagine is a rather common definition of claustrophobia.

Anyone?

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Literally My Fear
by: Anonymous

I specifically searched this up to see if it was real, lol.

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Panic
by: Nomi

I cannot bear to even think about being restrained. I breathe heavy, gasp for breath, head swims and I think it would be better to die than have my hands cuffed or be caught in a place where I cannot move. The feeling is overwhelming. I went to a doctor for it once. He told me a way of treating it was actually getting use to it in small doses. I was so horrified by the thought of it I ran for the door of his office.

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Merinthophobia
by: Anonymous

I think the closest term to this fear is Merinthophobia. I cannot stand to have my movement restricted, especially of my arms or legs. For me the worst trigger is tight sleeping bags. When my arms and legs are restricted, I become extremely anxious and the more tightly I am restrained, the more strongly I try to move, as well as having feelings of panic.

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Possibly claustrophobia related.
by: Claire

I think you're on the right lines with this being related to claustrophobia, which as you know is a specific phobia or disorder associated with a fear of being trapped or confined. The symptoms of claustrophobia can include feeling panicked or anxious in situations where movement is restricted, such as when wearing tight clothing.

As far as I'm aware, there isn't a specific phobia or disorder associated with the movement of arms being restricted by clothing. This may be a specific trigger for someone with claustrophobia or another related anxiety disorder, but I don't think it's a separate disorder in itself.

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Exactly this!
by: Anonymous

I tell people I have a sort of claustrophobia, as it's easier to say that than explain my actual fear! Maybe cleithrophophia is a better term. But it is mostly just the thought of having my arms restricted. There must be a word for it! I mean, they've got a word for everything these days!

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Merinthophobia
by: Anonymous

I experience exactly the same. It's called Merinthophobia - the extreme fear of feeling physically restricted.

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I don’t have a problem with small spaces but…
by: Anonymous

Me! My legs too! I don’t mind small spaces as long as I’m not being restricted.

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Merinthophobia?
by: Joe Lange

The closest I’ve come to a better answer than claustrophobia is cleithrophobia… fear of being trapped, although it seems that’s on more of a full-body scale, like being trapped in a room. Merinthophobia is that of being bound, which might also be it, especially regarding your comment on the handcuffs.

I have an issue with "cuddling." If my partner falls asleep and his arm or leg are still on me, I quickly descend into madness…

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I have this too
by: Anonymous

I have this same exact fear (phobia) and even just a momentary "arm stuck in a shirt" issue sends me into a fit of panic. I’ve never been able to find a term for it.

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Same
by: Anonymous

I also have a fear of this type of restraint. I also discovered it when I was "trapped" in clothing. I had a particularly bad experience when my dress got caught in my bicycle wheel and I had no way of freeing myself (someone came to my aid with a knife so i could cut my dress free). I was in tears after. It was bizarre because I don't know what it stems from but I felt horribly helpless like a child. I think it may not be a phobia in the traditional sense but a "fear of helplessness"?

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Wondering, too, if this is a phobia
by: Anonymous

No answer, just came looking for the same answer you’re looking for. So, you’re not alone in experiencing this, anyway.

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Cleithrophobia
by: Anonymous

You have cleithrophobia. I have the same thing, with the addition of not tolerating tight waistbands I have to be very careful with wet swimsuits and hoodies. Even tight rings will freak me out. I have to remove them at night in case my fingers swell up.

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I hear ya!
by: Cast.....Ed

I am in a full hand, wrist and forearm cast. I have been for nearly two weeks with two to four to go! I have nearly ripped it off about 5 times. The feeling is very near to panic and even typing these words sets the feelings to flame. I also am not afraid of small enclosures such as an elevator or the like but the mere thought of being in a restraint jacket almost makes me pass out. When I was a kid I had a recurring nightmare of climbing through a sewer on my back and getting stuck. As near as I can tell the feelings trace back to a tragic game of hide and seek with two older brothers and a foot locker they would not let me out of!!!

This page is my first in search of a diagnosis and hopefully some mental exercises to relieve my stress for the oncoming weeks of mental anguish. Thought my story could help. Cast....Ed

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