Virtual reality room may help fear of flying

Описание: (1 Apr 2015) A new virtual reality chamber at a hospital in central Israel is hoping to offer solutions to people who suffer from a variety of psychological conditions.
One such treatment is for a fear of flying.
"I think that stories in the media lately are increasing my anxiety," said Orit Meron speaking of the recent crash in the French Alps that killed 150 people on board.
"A person who fears (flying) it only makes them believe (the fear) and feed from reports, and then the anxiety intensifies," she said.
The virtual reality unit mimics a flight situation, stimulating several senses - vision, hearing and motion.
The sessions take place in a special setting in which a 360 degree surround movie is screened and the participant is exposed to significant movement of the pad to which a real airplane seat is attached.
A special audio system produces a life-like recreation of a flight.
Staff at the virtual reality centre work closely with psychologists who treat anxiety disorders to create an entire flight experience, while at all times patients are under close clinical supervision.
Professor Shlomo Noy, Director of the Sheba Medical Centre Rehabilitation unit says a fear of flying is not uncommon and most who suffer will not be affected by media reports for long.
"People tend to forget such cases as the crash of the German airplane, and in two to three weeks people will continue their lives," he said.
However, he said "those that are afraid will stay afraid and need a treatment."
The Sheba Medical Centre is hoping to expand the variety of virtual reality treatments it offers.

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