People suffering from phobias could soon learn to overcome their fears through cyberspace.
Specialists in Aberdeen are working on a virtual treatment delivered direct to patients' homes through the internet, overcoming any lack of therapists.

They hope phobias such as a fear or flying, or a fear of driving after having an accident, could be helped.

The work is being carried out by staff at the Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research (ACTR).

They hope that virtual reality tools similar to computer games can be used by patients on home computers rather than having to go into clinics.

This could mean single therapists monitoring several patients at the same time.

ACTR's Professor David Alexander told BBC Scotland: "To try and treat a phobia you have to expose the patient to what they fear.

"We can control what people are seeing and they can sit in a situation like real life. The closer you get to the situation the more likely you are to reduce the anxiety."

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Simon
Viewpoint Webteam

SOURCE: BBC News Online