Study Says Virtual Reality App Trial Can Reduce Common Phobias

For the estimated one in twelve people worldwide who have a fear of flying, needles, heights, spiders, or dogs, a recent trial by the University of Otago, Christchurch offers new hope. The trial, led by Associate Professor Cameron Lacey, from the Department of Psychological Medicine, studied phobia patients using a headset and a smartphone app treatment programme — a combination of Virtual Reality 360-degree video exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. “The improvements they reported suggests there’s great potential for the use of VR and mobile phone apps as a means of self-guided treatment for people struggling with often-crippling phobias,” Associate Professor Lacey says. “The oVRcome app involves what’s called “exposure therapy,” a form of CBT exposing participants to their specific phobias in short bursts, to build up their tolerance to the phobia in a clinically-approved and controlled way,” Associate Professor Lacey says. “Some participants reported significant progress in overcoming their phobias after the trial period, with one feeling confident enough to now book an overseas family holiday, another lining up for a Covid vaccine and another reporting they now felt confident not only knowing there was a spider in the house but that they could possibly remove it themselves.” The app programme consisted of standard CBT components including psychoeducation, relaxation, mindfulness, cognitive techniques, exposure through VR, and a relapse prevention model.