A lift phobia is a fear of elevators. The word "lift" is a synonym for "elevator" and there are many people who would prefer to walk up many flights of stairs rather than get in one. Lift phobia is a form of claustrophobia - a fear of enclosed spaces. People who suffer from it also have an irrational fear that the elevator will break down and they will either be trapped or will crash wildly downward.

So many high buildings and skyscrapers are being built, that it has become necessary for many who suffer from this affliction to seek professional help. They usually seek out the services of a psychologist or psychiatrist to help them. Through coaching and many trips up and down in an elevator, their lift phobia is reduced so that they can at least get in one without having a panic attack.

Lift phobia can cause people to become really frightened. They feel as if they are having a heart attack and cannot breathe. They may become very agitated and vocal to the point of really disturbing others in the elevator with them. Modern methods of dealing with this phobia involve using Virtual Reality Centers to give the appearance of being in a lift, but knowing that you are not. In this situation, you work with a therapist, who will guide you and talk you upward through many floors in a computer-generated building.

Hypnosis is also quite effective in dealing with phobias of all sorts. The hypnotist can help you learn relaxation techniques that you can use just before you enter an elevator. There are also self-hypnosis tapes and CDs that you can use at home to help you get over your lift phobia.