There has been a clear progression in our relationship with technology over the decades. Our computers started out as massive, multi-block machines that required teams of people to see to them. Then they became mainframes, minicomputers and then the microcomputers we know as desktop PCs today. Now many people walk around with a small computer … Continue reading Would You Put an AR Device Inside Your Eye?
The treatment of phobias is one area where virtual reality is proving to be very useful. Phobias are extreme reactions – usually an anxiety or panic attack – to a particular situation or object which is often out of proportion to the potential threat it poses. In some cases their reaction is so extreme that … Continue reading Virtual reality in phobia treatment
Virtual reality can be used as a form of rehabilitation for people who have become disabled as a result of an accident or injury. This article discusses the various ways in which it does so. How is virtual reality used to help the disabled? In numerous ways such as desktop systems with voice activated software, … Continue reading Virtual reality for the disabled
Virtual reality can be used to treat a wide range of health issues which include: Lifestyle issues, e.g. healthy eating Preventative medicine, e.g. stopping smoking Rehabilitation, e.g. regain mobility following a stroke Counselling, e.g. post traumatic stress disorder These are just some of the many ways in which virtual reality can be used to treat … Continue reading Virtual reality health issues
Autism is a developmental condition in which the sufferer experiences difficulties in communication with other people. They struggle with social interaction and are confused by the world around them. There is no cure for this condition but there are ways of helping someone with autism to manage their condition. These include diet, medication and various … Continue reading Virtual reality treatment for autism
Agoraphobia is a fear of open spaces which is the polar opposite of claustrophobia. But, both these phobias cause a great deal of anxiety and distress for the sufferer. This often causes the affected person to avoid situations which trigger an anxiety reaction but this can impact their work and home life. This article talks … Continue reading Virtual reality and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces)
Arachnophobia or a fear of spiders is a common type of phobia which tends to affect women more than men. No-one is sure as to what causes this phobia but people who suffer from this demonstrate fear and anxiety when faced with these small, hairy, 8 legged creatures. This phobia, like many others, is an … Continue reading Virtual reality and arachnophobia (fear of spiders)
A phobia about thunderstorms or ‘tonitrophobia’ is one of the lesser known phobias but like any other phobia it causes stress and anxiety. It is a very specific type of phobia but nevertheless, requires therapy in order to treat it. Virtual reality is one of the newer forms of therapy being used to treat phobias … Continue reading Virtual reality and tonitrophobia (fear of thunderstorms)
What is trypanophobia? This is the medical name for a fear of injections which affects more people than first realised. Many people dread injections and experience an extreme reaction such as fainting when faced with an injection. This is sometimes but not always accompanied by a fear of blood. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one … Continue reading Virtual reality and trypanophobia (fear of needles)
The fear of driving is not a well known phobia but it does exist. There are people who find that they are unable to drive or in some cases, get in or out of a vehicle due to a variety of reasons. A common reason is a car accident but there are others as well. … Continue reading Virtual reality and a fear of driving
