Originally published November 23 2003
Virtual reality video games effectively treat real fears
by Mike Adams, NaturalNews Editor
Do lessons learned in video games apply in real life? Absolutely, says new research: virtual reality video games are being used to help people overcome real fears like the fear of heights.
- Play a video game -- doctor's orders.
- Regular, off-the-shelf computer video games are an effective method of
treating people's fears, using a style of therapy that exposes people to
what scares them in a controlled setting, according to a new study
released on Friday.
- The researchers found that PC games that allow users to construct and
change game environments, used with a headset that lets wearers simulate
virtual reality, were just as effective at stimulating phobic responses
as dedicated simulation machines that can cost four times as much.
- People with phobias are often treated with exposure therapy, where
they gradually spend more and more time in settings that scare them in
an effort to reduce the fear response and get them to relax and get over
their fright.
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