Exposure and relaxation therapy of anxiety through virtual reality

Abstract

Mental heath problems such as anxiety and phobia disorder have developed problems in life of many individuals. Treatment of such anxiety disorders through exposure therapy is a complex and difficult process. Virtual reality has been used worldwide in many applications. The use of virtual reality in treating anxiety disorders have proven beneficial in many studies. The main goal behind this application was to provide users with a reliable and safe exposure therapy in a convenient way. The project was aimed towards providing exposure therapy for claustrophobia and agoraphobia in their respective scenarios. Users are encouraged to stay in a virtual reality environment, that exposes them towards their source of anxiety for certain time. This repetitive exposure using virtual reality helps users to overcome their fears. Exposure therapy was implemented in multiple levels to adjust exposure intensity on each level. Moreover, a relaxation therapy was included within the application, so users can experience relaxation by performing certain exercises in a virtual environment. i