Fear of Insects: A Widespread Phobia

The extreme fear of insects is called entomophobia and is one of the most common forms of phobia. It causes panic and acute anxiety in its victims, but there are effective ways to get rid of it, such as virtual reality, medication, etc. Psychologists offer virtual reality therapy to help clients overcome this fear by engaging in risky situations in a safe, virtual setting. These specialists use control parameters to adjust the computer-generated environment. The complex virtual environments involve replicating aspects of the real world through 360-degree views, 3D graphics and sound. Children and adults can develop entomophobia, especially when they have had hostile experiences with a particular insect. With approximately 6% of the population suffering from entomophobia, C2care provides its clients with psychological and medical treatment for various fears, eating disorders, addiction-related stress, and implements virtual reality exposure therapy into their program. Keep reading to understand how virtual reality can help eradicate the fear of bugs.

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1. WHAT LEADS TO ENTOMOPHOBIA ?

According to experts, there is no exact cause for entomophobia and other phobias. C2care suggests that temperaments such as being more sensitive or negative can cause a phobia. Other causes of entomophobia include.

  • A depressing experience – negative or traumatic experiences can reinforce specific phobias, such as being stung by a bee at an early age. Depressed people have less interest in life, resulting in low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. Depressive feelings and insecurity lead to fear of insects.
  • Your family – children can develop entomophobia from their siblings or parents. For example, you may develop a fear of insects when your mother screams at spiders and bugs.
  • Genetic research shows the correlation between genes and phobias.
  • Brain injuries – Brain injuries, including concussions, can cause anxiety disorders and increase fear conditioning, predisposing your brain to fear due to the stressful consequences of the injury.
  • Fear of contamination – the main cause of entomophobia is the fear of contamination by insects, as most insects such as cockroaches and flies carry infections. The disgusting appearance of some insects also creates anxiety.
  • Fear of insect bites and infestation: some individuals fear being bitten by insects and contracting disease as a result. Allergic reactions to insects, such as fire ant and wasp stings, can fuel entomophobia. Other people also fear an insect infestation in their body.

The thought of being around insects can cause undesirable physical and mental symptoms, such as sudden feelings of intense anxiety/fear when thinking about or seeing an insect, tightness in the chest, sweating, dry mouth, tremors, panic attacks and nausea.

2. HOW TO TREAT FEAR OF INSECTS ?

Virtual reality

Entomophobia can be treated with virtual rehabilitation and exposure therapy. VR technology is essential during exposure therapy (a treatment option where patients are gradually introduced to traumatic stimuli). In the virtual setting, a patient safely interacts with representations of entomophobia such as spiders, wasps and bees. In 2011, three researchers from the University of York proposed the use of the VRET (virtual reality exhibition therapy) for the treatment of phobias. C2care uses these tools to produce scary bugs in the virtual environment, so patients may not need a therapist. Our virtual rehabilitation trains therapeutic patients based on conventional therapy and virtual reality simulation activities. It is entertaining and motivates patients to overcome their fears. It also uses objective outcome measures of therapy effectiveness (range of motion, play scores, limb speed, etc.). This information is stored transparently by the computers running the VR software and is available online. Thus, VR therapy can be conducted in the comfort of the patient’s home and monitored remotely. Keep in mind that virtual rehabilitation is more expensive than equipment and medication and makes the client more active with desensitization. At C2care, we set unique goals for each treatment in order to promote progress. Over the course of approximately eight rounds of sessions, we focus on the following :
  • Psychoeducation – this involves identifying the root cause of the fear and the symptoms and signs associated with it. We also introduce VR at this stage and answer questions about the process.
  • Relaxation – in this stage, we explore types of breathing to help patients cope with moments of fear, anxiety and stress. We begin by orienting the patient with a neutral VR setting for a smoother transition into the advanced virtual.
  • Virtual exposure and relaxation: the patient is exposed to various insect scenarios. The triggers are unique to each session, but the breathing methods are similar.
  • Relapse Prevention: Our mental health experts are in contact with patients to analyze therapy sessions and plan exercises for future bug exposure. We equip the patient with separate tools and software to prevent impending relapse.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBY)

This treatment option involves imagining various insects in your thoughts and determining how they affect you. It focuses on changing your reactions and thinking about the phobia by identifying and reducing the triggers.

We merge this therapy with virtual reality to help patients control their thoughts until they are no longer sensitive to the fear of insects.

CBT has also demonstrated impeccable excellence in the treatment of a range of specific fears, thanks to its large number of successful treatments and its long-term effects. Some of the best therapies for treating entomophobia include personalized CBT using virtual reality exposure in VIVO

Medicaments

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective ways to overcome entomophobia. Our mental health specialists may recommend certain medications to minimize the symptoms of entomophobia. Prescribed medications may include :

  • Beta-blockers – these drugs block the effects of adrenaline, such as high blood pressure, heart rate and palpitations.
  • Antidepressants – reduce the fear of anxiety associated with insects.
  • Anti-anxiety medications – these are recommended for short-term use and reduce anxiety.


Note that beta-blockers, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are not FDA approved for phobias.

3. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF VR OVER IN VIVO EXPOSURE (IVE) ?

VR exposure therapy can be performed from anywhere in the world using appropriate tools, whereas in vivo exposure can be problematic when transportation is unreliable. People with mobility issues, such as obesity and paralysis, can effectively use VR because it poses fewer ethical issues than IVE.

VR also motivates patients with in-game rewards, high scores and leaderboards. Based on high scores and game data, our therapists can assess progress and grade patient performance for better inspiration.

4. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EKBLOM SYNDROME AND ENTOMOPHOBIA ?

The fear of insects crawling on your skin is called Ekblom syndrome. It causes the patient to believe that the skin is infested with insects and may result in self-mutilation to eliminate the infestation.
Instead, entomophobia is simply the fear of insects.
Through gradual and regular exposure to insects, patients can eradicate this phobia.

5. CONCLUSION

Do you treat people with entomophobia or other specific phobias? Don’t forget to check out our virtual reality therapy services. At C2care, we provide virtual reality equipment and environments for a multitude of mental health issues. For entomophobia, some of our virtual reality remedies include virtual ant hills or spiders approaching the patient’s home, virtual representation of insects in your home and much more. It contains eight exposure sessions that last about half an hour. Our TERV therapy can be used on children over the age of 4, adolescents, adults and the elderly. The implementation of VR therapy techniques offers a remedy that you and your patients are looking for.

Are you a healthcare professional? Discover our solutions to treat your patients’ phobias

Are you an individual? Discover our services to treat your insect phobia

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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