Fighting phobia of heights with virtual reality

Oxford VR

LONDON: Fear of heights or Acrophobia is described as an irrational fear or phobia of heights, which can now be treated using virtual reality. 

The condition can be extremely debilitating for some people.

In UK, the fear of heights has been reported more common than fear of snakes and spiders.

A team of researchers led by Professor Daniel Freeman at Oxford VR has shown how virtual reality can help treat fear of heights.

He said: ‘The outcomes exceeded expectations.’

The VR simulator immerses people in a virtual situation where they can learn to deal with their fear.

The findings which have been published in Lancet Psychiatry journal found VR treatment reduced fear of heights by an average of 68 per cent.