Arachnophobia app that cures arachnophobia

The Arachnophobia app, dubbed Phobia Free, for iPhone and iPad, has been devised with the help of specialist psychiatrists and is also reviewed and approved by NHS England.According to metro.co.uk, the interactive app works by exposing users to images of spiders, which become more realistic as they progress.

The app also uses relaxation techniques and in-app games to track progress and set goals and it is hoped by the time a user is exposed to an augmented reality tarantula, that looks and behaves like the real thing, their fears will be under control.

Co-founder of Virtually Free which developed the app, Dr Andres Fonseca said that the initiative by NHS England to give people access to quality assured apps and protect patients is very important.

The report said that Arachnophobia affects six per cent of the population and is one of the most common phobias in the world.