Spider Phobia: Neural Networks Informing Diagnosis and (Virtual/Augmented Reality-Based) Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy—A Narrative Review

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Katharina Domschke¹  Nicole Menzie³  Ulf Müller³  Anne Röder⁴  Michael Noll-Hussong⁴  Jonas Hinze⁴  Matthias Riemenschneider⁴ 

[1] Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany;Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany;Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany;Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany;

关键词: specific phobia;    functional neuroimaging;    augmented reality;    virtual reality;    psychotherapy;    spider phobia;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyt.2021.704174

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Recent fMRI studies on specific animal phobias, particularly spider phobia (arachnophobia), have identified a large variety of specific brain regions involved in normal and disturbed fear processing. Both functional and structural brain abnormalities have been identified among phobic patients. Current research suggests that both conscious and subconscious fear processing play a crucial role in phobic disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been identified as an effective treatment for specific phobias and has been associated with neuroplastic effects which can be evaluated using current neuroimaging techniques. Recent research suggests that new approaches using virtual (VR) or augmented reality (AR) tend to be similarly effective as traditional “in vivo” therapy methods and could expand treatment options for different medical or individual scenarios. This narrative review elaborates on neural structures and particularities of arachnophobia. Current treatment options are discussed and future research questions are highlighted.

【 授权许可】

Unknown