By Stian Skjerping, Screen Story
A New Approach to Treatment
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder that can be debilitating for those who suffer from them. They are characterised by an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.
Phobias can be triggered by a variety of things, including animals, heights, flying, and social situations. Traditional treatment for phobias involves exposure therapy, where patients are gradually exposed to the object of their fear.
Taking a participant to many different real environments is expensive, time-consuming, and logistically challenging.
By utilising 360° videos and virtual reality, individuals can be exposed to their phobia by using a Virtual Reality-headset.
This technology enables patients to experience their fear in a realistic and immersive way, without the need to visit other places.
Exposure therapy using 360° videos can therefore be a cost-effective alternative to real environments.
One of the key benefits of 360° video technology is that it can be customised to meet the needs of each patient. The therapist can control the level of exposure, gradually increasing it as the patient becomes more comfortable. This allows patients to progress at their own pace, without feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
It also allows to treat a wide range of phobias. Whether the patient has a fear of spiders, heights, or public speaking, the technology can be adapted to meet their needs.
By providing a virtually safe and controlled environment for patients to confront their fears, this technology can make it easier and more effective for patients to overcome their phobias.
As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more and more therapists incorporating it into their treatment plans.
