Artefact 6 - Research (Phobias)

To measure the scope and purpose of Audiovisual Therapy, I have conducted further research into mental illness. I am looking for three conditions to highlight the possible application of use for this study. Below is one example where the principles of some the treatments can be combined with the technique of this study:

Phobia Treatments

1. Self-help

- "The best way to get over a phobia is to expose yourself to your feared object or situation and to tolerate the anxiety until it starts to decrease." - Bupa, 2010

2. Talking Therapies

- Psychiatrist/Therapist

3. Behavioural Therapy

- One learns to tolerate the fear of exposure through relaxation techniques

4. Flooding

5. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

6. Pharmaceuticals

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Since the best way to treat phobias is through self-help exposure and behavioural therapy highlights the use of relaxation techniques, then both of these elements can be achieved through Audiovisual Therapy material. For example, if a person is phobic of spiders, then exposure could be achieved through images and video of the spider. The relaxation technique could be applied through the use of calming images and music combined with the exposure element. Additionally, as displayed by Artefact 5, it is possible for this piece to be self-generated. Therefore, the amount of exposure could be controlled by the individual. By being able to control the amount of exposure element exists in the clip, they can gradually increase the amount until the phobia is decreased enough to challenge the fear directly.