Use of Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Flying Phobia (NCT01442805) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Use of Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Flying Phobia
Luxembourg36 participantsStarted 2008-10
Plain-language summary
The project aims to explore the potential of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) for the treatment of the fear of driving, the fear of flying and the fear of public speaking.
The study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to compare the efficiency of cognitive behavioural therapy with exposures in imagination to behavioural therapy with exposures in virtual reality. Anxiety levels are measured using specific questionnaires, SUD ratings and physiological measures (heart rate, skin conductance, skin temperature, breathing frequency, heart rate variability).
Hypothesis: Treatments with exposures in virtual reality are more efficient than treatments with exposures in imagination.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Confirmed diagnosis of a specific phobia (DSM-IV-TR)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant women
* Subjects with severe pulmonary / cardiovascular problems; Asthma, epilepsy, vertigo
* Drug abuse
* Subjects under on-stabilized anti-depressant treatment
* Psychotic subjects
* Subjects with suicidal ideas
* Subjects presenting insufficient intellectual capabilities
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Since this trial has already been completed and measured whether participants actually took a flight afterward, has my doctor seen the results, and do they suggest virtual reality exposure therapy was effective for flying phobia?
2How does virtual reality exposure therapy compare to traditional in-person exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy for flying phobia — and which approach might make more sense for my specific situation?
3Since this trial was listed as Phase NA, meaning it may not have gone through the standard drug-trial safety phases, what does my doctor know about any risks or side effects associated with virtual reality therapy, such as motion sickness or increased anxiety during sessions?
4Given that the main outcome was whether someone actually got on a flight, how long after the therapy did participants typically feel ready to fly, and is that a realistic timeline for what I need?
5Are there clinicians or programs near me already offering virtual reality exposure therapy for flying phobia based on evidence like this trial, or would I need to seek out a specialist to explore this option?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.