Virtual reality could help people conquer their fears

PHOBIAS: Patients in trials use software to confront things that scare them most

People can be helped to overcome their fears of spiders, snakes and even each other using virtual reality, new research has suggested.

Scientists at Oxford University used simulations to help people suffering from paranoia overcome their mistrust of others by recreating public spaces such as elevators and trains.

While the study was focused on patients suffering a severe psychiatric condition, the researchers believe the method could work in helping people deal with more everyday fears, such as terror of particular animals.

The trials were carried out using a headset, however their success opens the door to the development of virtual-reality software for use on a smartphone that could potentially revolutionize psychiatric therapy.

“Paranoia all too often leads to isolation, unhappiness and profound distress, but in just a 30-minute session, those who used the right psychological techniques showed major reductions in paranoia,” said Prof. Daniel Freeman, who led the research.

People suffering from severe paranoia often show an extreme mistrust of other people, believing others are deliberately trying to harm them. Many use defensive behaviours such as reducing eye contact, but these tactics often end up reinforcing fears.

In the Oxford University study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, 30 patients took part in the virtual-reality simulations, such as being in an underground train, where they were joined by increasing numbers of computer avatars.

One group was encouraged to use their normal defensive behaviours in these situations, but the other was told to drop their defences by approaching the computer characters and holding long stares or standing toe-to-toe.

Scientists found that the second group showed significant reductions in their paranoid delusions, with more than 50 per cent no longer suffering severe paranoia after a day of testing.

“Paranoia all too often leads to isolation, unhappiness and profound distress ... ” — Prof. Daniel Freeman

JASON RANSOM/POSTMEDIA NEWS FILES Phobias, including an extreme fear of spiders, can have severe consequences for some people if they affect their ability to venture out into the world.

— GETTY IMAGES FILES Scientists at Oxford University used simulations to help people suffering from paranoia overcome their mistrust of others by recreating fears of spiders, snakes and even each other.