Specific Phobias: Assessment and Treatment

This chapter begins with a case report demonstrating the core features that define specific phobias. Marked and persistent fear cued by specific objects or situations accompanied by a compelling desire to escape from or avoid such objects or situations, if possible, are the main diagnostic criteria for specific phobia. Specific phobias of natural environment type are characterized by symptom reports of dizziness and strong avoidance dispositions often accompanied by central concerns about the potential danger of the situation. With the increasing availability of virtual reality technology, it is now possible to use computer-generated interactive virtual realities (VR) including visual displays of moving objects, other sensory inputs, and body-tracking devices to conduct exposure therapy. Specific phobias are particularly responsive to exposure-based therapies and are therefore considered the treatment of choice for this disorder.