Εφαρμογές εικονικής και επαυξημένης πραγματικότητας στην καταπολέμηση των φοβιών

Abstract

In this paper we present a system named (AT), which aims at the treatment of phobias and more specifically the treatment of special phobias. It is based on cognitive therapy and the tools it uses are: virtual reality glasses, motion recognition camera and bio-sensors. The aim of the (AT) is the knowledge and experience that the patient acquires during therapy to channel them into skills that will more easily and effortlessly address his phobia in everyday life. To date, with the applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the patient is expected to overcome fear through discussion, thus gaining a full understanding of his phobia. In Exposure Therapy (ET) applications, the patient learns how to stay close, touch or be able to look at his phobia through visual or physical excitement without experiencing a panic attack, thereby becoming familiar with his phobia. Nevertheless, no application has focused on patient education, "how" to act in a dreadful situation. Examples of such training are: "how to catch a phobic object," "how to avoid a phobic object when it is directed upwards," etc., which are, of course, usual scenarios that non-fearful individuals face without panic attack. The (AT), through virtual reality glasses, simulates various dreadful situations. At the same time, through the camera, the system monitors the patient's actions, checking whether they are performed correctly. Finally, through biosignals, it accordingly adapts the virtual environment. Essentially, (AT) is a systematic method that aims for the patient to acquire skills and above all self-confidence, with which he/she can now act on his phobia voluntarily, effortlessly, whenever he/she wants, having the feeling that he can now to make it happen.