Virtual reality therapy can conquer people’s fear of heights, according to a trial which raises hopes that millions with common mental health problems can be treated at home by machines (Chris Smyth writes).
Patients who had suffered a crippling fear of heights for 30 years were able to climb steep mountains and cross rope bridges in the real world after treatment with the automated coach.
Two thirds of patients would no longer be classed as having a phobia of heights after the treatment, according to “extraordinarily good” results from a study of 100 people by Oxford University. The NHS is attempting to increase the use of talking therapy but is limited by the number of counsellors, making automated treatment appealing.