Artefact of augmented reality to support the treatment of specific phobias

Abstract

Phobia is a type of anxiety disorder defined by a persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Currently, exposition treatment is the most practiced method to treat phobias, although it comes with limitations. We can reduce these limitations by combining Augmented Reality techniques with the exposition treatment. Its benefits are a decrease in costs, versatility of the process and full control of the procedure by the therapist. As shown in multiple research, Augmented Reality has obtained interesting results in the treatment of psychological disorders serving as a foundation for the development of this project. The recent technological advances in the field also allowed for an easier access to Augmented Reality which is accessible to use even in old smartphones. Our goal is to develop an artefact using WebAR in conjunction with psychologists who treat phobic patients, to create a program to support the treatment of phobias with a gradual exposition system of the phobia. Their help will be essential to understand the most important requirements needed for the program. We believe this system has the potential to improve the treatment of phobias serving as an extension to the current methods by providing comfort and efficiency.