Tuesday, 25 May 2021, 8:44 am
Can virtual reality help treat people with a fear of
flying or spiders?
A clinical trial involving
University of Otago, Christchurch, researchers and a South
Island tech company will seek to answer that
question.
The trial will use a smartphone app called
“oVRcome” developed by tech entrepreneur Adam Hutchinson
to treat patients with phobias and anxiety.
The app is
paired with a headset to immerse participants in virtual
environments to help treat their phobia.
The oVRcome
system draws on principles of exposure therapy, a proven and
effective form of treatment, which removes the need to
create real life experiences and scenarios.