top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

How virtual reality can treat phobias

A hospital in Marseille is using virtual reality headsets to treat conditions like phobias and anxiety.

The Assistance Publique hospital in Marseille is carrying out a series of studies to determine if the method could be used for people with a fear of heights, people with long-standing depression, and for veteran soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The headsets have already been used alongside cognitive behavioural therapy to treat claustrophobia and agoraphobia.

They allow patients to confront stressful or frightening experiences in a safe environment, in the company of a therapist, who works with them to help them overcome their fears and in time modify their emotional reactions to their phobia or anxiety triggers.

It is more controlled, cheaper and easier than attempting to recreate real-life situations. It can also recreate situations which would normally be too difficult to recreate like a proximity to spiders, or being in an aircraft. On average only 10 sessions are required, in contrast to 52 sessions with a psychoanalyst.

The technique is also used successfully to help people not just stop smoking, but resist taking it up again. In this case, the reality presented includes common scenes in social settings where an ex-smoker might be offered a cigarette. The experience allows the patient to practice saying no.

Pierre Gadea, co-founder of C2Care, the company that supplies the virtual reality headsets, told The Connexion that their preliminary studies showed that patients like the method, and 65% of them found the treatment reduced anxiety and phobias.

“A study of 200 people, mostly with arachnophobia, showed that the vast majority of respondents found the treatment better than psychoanalysis and/or cognitive behavioural therapy, which used to be the main treatments for these problems.”

He says doctors like it too: “It has been scientifically proven to work, and doctors like things that work.” However, he says that because the use of virtual reality is so new in France, there are inevitably some detractors, particularly amongst psychotherapists.

“Virtual reality as a treatment for anxiety and phobias is currently only available in Paris and Marseille,” he added. “But we have now started marketing the equipment all over France, so very soon patients all over the country will be able to try out virtual reality treatments for themselves.”

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France