Fear of flying treatment programs for passengers: an international update.

BACKGROUND: This article is an update of an earlier international review of fear of flying treatment programs. METHOD. One hundred and sixty two airlines and treatment facilities around the world were approached for information on treatment programs for flying phobia. In comparison to the earlier review, the number of treatment facilities able to provide relevant and valid information increased from 15 to 36. Information was obtained both with a written questionnaire and by obtaining oral information from treatment facility representatives. This information was obtained at the second international fear of flying conference in Vienna on December 2000. The increase in the number of participating facilities can presumably be attributed both to a world wide increase in the demand for treatment for fear of flying and professionals becoming more interested in entering the field of fear of flying treatment. However, the increase may also be due to the fact that some clinics or programs have only recently discovered the international network of treatment facilities. RESULTS. In comparison to the previous review, the number of facilities that provide treatment programs that meet high professional standards has increased considerably over the past few years. Although there is still substantial variety in the quality and components of treatment programs, there is also a significant number of facilities that provide more or less similar qualified treatment programs and carry out treatment evaluation on a regular basis. Furthermore, experts from the participating centers reached consensus on 'golden rules' for fear of flying patients and flying-phobia therapists. CONCLUSIONS. There is a growing consensus among fear of flying treatment facilities on methods and protocols.