Premedication for Claustrophobic Patients for MRI Scan

Claustrophobia is an irrational fear of restriction and suffocation. It is a specific phobia, according to DSM 5. Claustrophobic patients may fear that restriction of their limbs will hinder their ability to move quickly towards safety. MRI may trigger claustrophobia, because this diagnostic procedure involves a patient laying in a narrow tube. Premedication before MRI scan may occasionally reduce claustrophobia.

Prospective observational crossover study of claustrophobic patients who are undergoing MRI scan. At alternate MRI scan sessions, each patient receives rotational premedication using Lorazepam 1mg; or Clonidine tablet 0.2mg; or combined Clonidine 0.2mg + Lorazepam 1mg.

Patient will use Claustrophobia Questionnaire, a validated tool, to collect data on the days before and after each MRI scan. CLQ is a patient-administered tool used to assess claustrophobia. In addition, patient will use General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, a validated tool, to collect data on the days before and after each MRI scan. GAD-7 is a patient-administered tool that is used to assess anxiety.