In continuation of the last episode, causes for Cockroach phobia and other related phobias the treatment will be discussed in this issue. Among all phobias according to research published by Becker et al., 2007, stimuli included in the specific phobia subtypes, animals are the most feared. In addition, animal phobia presents a high lifetime prevalence, ranging between 3.3 to 5.7%.
Despite the large number of people affected, only 7.8% seek treatment as per the studies published by Mackenzie et al., 2012, because 25% reject traditional in vivo exposure treatment, it refers to a type of therapy, typically used in cognitive behavioral therapy, where a person is directly exposed to their feared object or situation in real life, meaning “in vivo” means “in living” – essentially confronting their anxiety head-on to gradually reduce their fear over time; for example, someone with a fear of spiders might be asked to hold a spider as part of their treatment.
This direct exposure to the feared object after fully explaining the procedure and after taking the consent and essentially preparing the situation. In this therapy, no one should attempt to put a cockroach or spider on the person who has a phobia of those creatures/insects suddenly without prior elucidation and preparation. However further research about specific phobias is necessary to expand the current knowledge about the underlying cognitive and psychophysiological mechanisms, as well as available treatments. Key points about cockroach phobia management:
Phobia Management
There are several modern techniques to manage the phobia of cockroaches and other creatures such as cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and the application of serious games (SG) etc., these methods involve gradually exposing oneself to images, videos, or even real cockroaches in a controlled setting, starting with less frightening stimuli and progressing to more challenging ones.
Relaxation therapy helps to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs associated with cockroaches and other fearful spiders snakes etc., teaching coping mechanisms to manage anxiety when exposing them. Practices like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, dhyana, meditation and mindfulness can help manage anxiety symptoms triggered by the sight of a cockroach and related fearful subjects. In practice it is observed that everyone experiences phobias differently, so what works for one person might not work for another to say the response is different from Individual to individual.
Professional help
Consulting a mental health professional like a therapist is crucial for severe cases of cockroach phobia to develop a personalized treatment plan. Home management strategies to minimize cockroach exposure:
Preventative measures:
Cleanliness: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to eliminate food sources. Seal cracks and crevices: Inspect for and seal any potential entry points in walls, floors, and pipes where cockroaches might hide. Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills immediately. Reduce mess areas where cockroaches could hide, like under sinks or in cabinets. Use cockroach bait traps strategically placed in areas where cockroaches are likely to frequently move. Advised to consult of a professional pest control service for severe infestations.
Severity of phobia
The level of treatment needed depends on the severity of the phobia, with mild cases potentially managed with self-help techniques and more severe cases requiring professional therapy. According to a recent publication (January 2011) role of Computers in Human Behaviour, Serious games (SG) could also be used to facilitate exposure treatment. It has been developed a SG for the treatment of cockroach phobia and uses a mobile phone as the application device.
This work examined specific phobias preparing subjects for Augmented Reality (AR) exposure. A 22-year-old woman with cockroach phobia who participated in the study benefited significantly. Results showed that the use of the mobile game reduced her level of fear and avoidance before a “one-session” AR exposure treatment was applied, following the guidelines strictly.
The participant found very helpful the use of the SG before the AR exposure session and she was willing to use it after the AR exposure session as a homework assignment. Although the results of this study are preliminary, SG appears to be a line of research of high interest in clinical psychology for the treatment of specific phobias. There are different phobias for different populations among individuals. Therefore, research to prevent and treat phobias has been intensified to evolve a perfect strategy to help several persons who are suffering from the phobias of cockroaches, spiders, creatures, serpents, etc.,