Application of Adaptive Virtual Environments Through Biofeedback for the Treatment of Phobias ^†

Abstract

This study proposes solutions to help people with phobias through the use of virtual environments that allow a contact between the subjects and these phobias. Using neurofeedback, the systems, depending on the emotional state of the user, adapt the scenarios allowing more or less intensity. The phobias these systems treat are social phobia, entomophobia and claustrophobia. The solutions have been developed using Unity, Muse 2 and Vive HTC.

1. Introduction

A specific phobia consists of fear and anxiety about a particular situation or object. The situation or object is generally avoided when possible; but if exposure does occur, anxiety develops quickly. Anxiety can intensify to the level of a panic attack. People with a specific phobia usually recognize that their fear is irrational and excessive. There are several possible treatments that must be adequate according to the clinical condition. One such treatment is exposure therapy [1]. Patients confront and keep in touch with what they fear and avoid until anxiety gradually decreases through a process called habituation. Typically, therapists start with moderate exposure. When patients are comfortable with an exposure level, the exposure level is increased. Therapists continue to increase the level of the exposure until patients are able to tolerate normal interaction with the situation or object. Using solutions implemented in Virtual Reality (VR) has significative advantages [2], as it is possible to expose patients to situations or objects related to phobias in a controlled manner [3]. In the real world, the use of real animals is very difficult and controlling their behaviors is a complex challenge. The number of animals used also implies costs, and the simulation of situations involves complex logistical issues [4]. The use of a virtual reality-controlled environment allows the therapist to insert the necessary elements to expose the user to the agent that causes the phobia [5]. It is possible to vary its quantity and the intensity of the exposure, and to repeat the process as many times as necessary.

This work intends to reproduce the exposure therapy, and allow that exposure to change in intensity according to the patient’s emotional state.

2. Materials and Methods

Two VR solutions were developed with the use of portable electroencephalograms (EEG) that read the user’s biofeedback, leading the virtual environments to adapt according to the emotional state via the strategy chosen by the therapist. Virtual Therapy and FearNot are the projects developed by the research group LabRP (Psychosocial Rehabilitation Laboratory) of the School of Allied Health Technologies, and the School of Media Arts and Design, both belonging to the Polytechnic Institute of Porto.

FearNot allows people with insect phobias or claustrophobia to be exposed to environments with insects in varying numbers, or to a room with varying dimensions and brightness, depending on biofeedback reading (Figure 1).

Virtual Therapy applies to people with social phobia, and exposes the patient to a social experience in a professional context that consists of an oral presentation to the public in an auditorium. It designs an automatic response to user performance based on biomedical data, and varies the number of spectators in the auditorium and their behavior (Figure 2).

3. Results

For the time being, no results are available to draw definitive conclusions about the impact of this study. Even so, the observations made during the tests reflects the fact that the participants show a high level of motivation, interest and involvement towards the activities developed. However, it is necessary to wait for the final collection of data and its subsequent analysis, as well as future tests with larger samples, to determine if the project has a real impact on the quality of life of people with the related phobias.