Nov 03, 2006
High sensitivity to multisensory conflicts in agoraphobia exhibited by virtual reality
High sensitivity to multisensory conflicts in agoraphobia exhibited by virtual reality.
Eur Psychiatry. 2006 Oct;21(7):501-8
Authors: Viaud-Delmon I, Warusfel O, Seguelas A, Rio E, Jouvent R
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of auditory feedback in a VR system planned for clinical use and to address the different factors that should be taken into account in building a bimodal virtual environment (VE). We conducted an experiment in which we assessed spatial performances in agoraphobic patients and normal subjects comparing two kinds of VEs, visual alone (Vis) and auditory-visual (AVis), during separate sessions. Subjects were equipped with a head-mounted display coupled with an electromagnetic sensor system and immersed in a virtual town. Their task was to locate different landmarks and become familiar with the town. In the AVis condition subjects were equipped with the head-mounted display and headphones, which delivered a soundscape updated in real-time according to their movement in the virtual town. While general performances remained comparable across the conditions, the reported feeling of immersion was more compelling in the AVis environment. However, patients exhibited more cybersickness symptoms in this condition. The result of this study points to the multisensory integration deficit of agoraphobic patients and underline the need for further research on multimodal VR systems for clinical use.
23:30 Posted in Virtual worlds | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email this | Tags: virtual reality, cybertherapy
Comments
I have to wonder at all if agoraphobia is really a phobia at all, or if it is strictly sensory overload. I believe there are many individuals that are born with very sensitive nervious systems and their bodies simply can't take all the stimulation that we are bombarded with in our culture. Or could it be the fact that sensitive individuals, not understanding their sensivity, develop agoraphobia. I would love to hear feedback on this.
Thank you.
Posted by: Cassandra | Dec 03, 2006
Agoraphobia is fear of being in places where help might not be available, typically fear of crowds, bridges, or of being outside alone.
All the following criteria should be fulfilled for a definite diagnosis:
(a) the psychological or autonomic symptoms must be primarily manifestations of anxiety and not secondary to other symptoms, such as delusions or obsessional thoughts;
(b) the anxiety must be restricted to (or occur mainly in) at least two of the following situations: crowds, public places, travelling away from home, and travelling alone; and
(c) avoidance of the phobic situation must be, or have been, a prominent feature
Posted by: andrea | Dec 03, 2006
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