Being scared of lifts is very common, especially in people who have a fear of enclosed spaces. They know that there is no real threat, but they cannot bring themselves to enter an elevator without feeling a sense of panic, if they get in the lift at all. If asked to explain their fear, they are unable to put it into words and say they know that it is irrational to feel the way they do. No matter how many positive things you can tell them about using an elevator, they cannot overcome being scared of lifts.

At one time a therapist cure for being scared of lifts was to coach the patient through rides in an elevator until the fear went away. Today, the same option is still available, but through a virtual reality setting. Computer generated high buildings give the patient the feeling of being in an elevator that goes up and down a variety of levels. A therapist works with the patient coaching and discussing the fears at each level and praising little successes. Gradually the feeling of being scared of lifts subsides.

For those who do not want to put themselves in such a scary situation, there are other methods of help available. Hypnosis helps to train the patient to relax when in a lift and how to breathe when they feel a panic attack coming on. A panic attack in an elevator is very scary, especially if the person feels as if he/she is having a heart attack. Self-hypnosis tapes and books are also available to help those who are scared of lifts.