Anxiety is not always based on unfounded fears

Anxiety disorders are pervasive, yet our ability to manage them has significantly advanced with technology. Virtual Reality (VR) therapy now offers a powerful, scientifically validated approach to complement traditional psychotherapy, helping patients confront their fears in a safe, controlled environment.

Interview with Sarah Adams: Anxiety Disorders and Virtual Reality Treatment

Sarah Adams, a General Health Psychologist with over 25 years of experience, specializes in integrating Virtual Reality into psychotherapy. In this discussion, she shares insights on how this technology effectively addresses anxiety disorders.

Are Anxiety Disorders Always Rooted in Unreal Fears?

No, anxiety disorders are not always based on unrealistic fears. Anxiety can stem from everyday concerns (work, social interactions, health) that the individual perceives as an overwhelming threat, disproportionate to the actual risk. The experience feels 100% real to the person suffering.

Most Frequent Anxiety Types in Practice

A wide variety of anxiety disorders are treated, with the most common including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Stress
Social Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Specific Phobias (e.g., fear of driving, flying, exams, confined spaces)

What is Virtual Reality Therapy in Psychotherapy?

Virtual Reality (VR) applied to psychology is not new, having been effectively used in the United States since the 1980s for treating emotional disorders in war veterans. It is a valuable, scientifically validated tool with significant potential for treating many psychological disorders. VR serves as a complement to psychotherapy, not a replacement.

VR therapy involves carefully designed, multisensory (visual and auditory) virtual environments that simulate everyday scenes and situations. These environments are safe and continuously controlled by a qualified mental health professional. The goal is to create a sense of presence, allowing the patient to experience the same emotions, thoughts, and reactions they would in real life. This helps improve emotional well-being by aiding patients in confronting fears and traumas safely. It is important to note that this is a professional resource, not a video game.

How is VR Technology Used for Anxiety Disorders?

VR is highly useful for treating anxiety and other disorders. It requires VR headsets and specialized platforms for mental health professionals. The most common intervention is exposure therapy, where patients are gradually exposed to a feared object or situation in a simulated environment, triggering anxiety similar to a real-life scenario.

Advantages of Virtual Reality Over Traditional Techniques

VR does not replace traditional talk therapy; it enhances it by providing an immersive, practical experience. This allows patients to feel as if they are truly in the feared situation, often accelerating their progress. Key advantages include:

Safe and Controlled Environment: Patients can experience their fears in a setting constantly managed by the therapist.
Replicating Difficult Scenarios: VR can create environments hard to reproduce in real life (e.g., airplanes, job interviews).
Repeated Exposure: Allows for repeated exposure to anxiety-provoking situations as many times as necessary until gradual desensitization occurs.
Personalized Treatment: Therapists can tailor VR experiences to each patient’s specific needs.

Is Tech Familiarity Required for VR Treatment?

No, prior familiarity or experience with new technologies is not necessary. The therapist guides the process entirely, providing a detailed demonstration and explanation before commencing treatment.

Concrete Example: VR for Phobias (e.g., Public Speaking)

The application of VR for phobias like public speaking typically follows these steps:

Initial Assessment: Interviews and questionnaires gather information to identify the problem and its impact on social and professional life.
VR Explanation: The patient receives an explanation of how VR works and the mechanisms of anxiety.
Fear Hierarchy: A hierarchy of feared public speaking situations is established, from most to least intense.
Relaxation Training: Patients learn relaxation and breathing techniques using VR to employ during and after simulations.
Gradual Exposure: Exposure begins gradually, increasing the difficulty of public speaking situations as the patient becomes more comfortable and confident.
Therapist Support & Feedback: The therapist monitors the patient, addresses negative thoughts during exposure, and provides feedback at the end of each session.

How Many Sessions for Significant Changes?

There isn’t a fixed number of sessions; it varies based on the therapeutic objective. However, patients often report significant improvement, with a faster path towards their goal of well-being. Some patients experience notable improvements from the very first sessions.

Evolution of Therapy: From 25 Years Ago to Today

When I finished university, I never imagined how much technological advancements could aid mental health. I’ve been using virtual reality since 2018, and increasing numbers of patients are showing interest in this innovative approach.