OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to examine the efficacy of computer-generated (virtual reality) graded exposure in the treatment of acrophobia (fear of heights). METHOD: Twenty college students with acrophobia were randomly assigned to virtual reality graded exposure treatment (N = 12) or to a waiting-list comparison group (N = 8). Seventeen students completed the study. Sessions were conducted individually over 8 weeks. Outcome was assessed by using measures of anxiety, avoidance, attitudes, and distress associated with exposure to heights before and after treatment. RESULTS: Significant differences between the students who completed the virtual reality treatment (N = 10) and those on the waiting list (N = 7) were found on all measures. The treatment group was significantly improved after 8 weeks, but the comparison group was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that treatment with virtual reality graded exposure was successful in reducing fear of heights.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to examine the efficacy of computer-generated (virtual reality) graded exposure in the treatment of acrophobia (fear of heights). METHOD: Twenty college students with acrophobia were randomly assigned to virtual reality graded exposure treatment (N = 12) or to a waiting-list comparison group (N = 8). Seventeen students completed the study. Sessions were conducted individually over 8 weeks. Outcome was assessed by using measures of anxiety, avoidance, attitudes, and distress associated with exposure to heights before and after treatment. RESULTS: Significant differences between the students who completed the virtual reality treatment (N = 10) and those on the waiting list (N = 7) were found on all measures. The treatment group was significantly improved after 8 weeks, but the comparison group was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that treatment with virtual reality graded exposure was successful in reducing fear of heights.
Authors: Jessica L Maples-Keller; Brian E Bunnell; Sae-Jin Kim; Barbara O Rothbaum Journal: Harv Rev Psychiatry Date: 2017 May/Jun Impact factor: 3.732
Authors: Candyce D Tart; Pamela R Handelsman; Lindsey B Deboer; David Rosenfield; Mark H Pollack; Stefan G Hofmann; Mark B Powers; Michael W Otto; Jasper A J Smits Journal: J Psychiatr Res Date: 2012-10-23 Impact factor: 4.791