CompletedNot Applicable

Virtual Reality Immersive Method for Spider (Phobia) Exposure Therapy (VIMSE)

Sweden100 participantsStarted 2015-08-01

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy as a treatment for specific phobia (spiders). A gamified virtual reality simulation of one-session therapy (VR-OST) will be compared to the gold-standard treatment in the form of traditional one-session phobia treatment (OST) using in-vivo stimuli. This study was powered to detect a non-inferiority margin of a 2-point difference between groups.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * Score of 10 or less in Behavioral Approach Test * Individual meeting DSM-5 criteria according to interview for primary diagnosis of specific phobia, spider * Swedish residency * Fluent in Swedish Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing psychotherapy * Ongoing psychotropic medication (unless stabilized for three months) * Indication of suicidal ideation, as assessed by item 9 of the PHQ-9 * Meets criteria for alcohol or substance use disorder * Meets criteria for serious mental disorder, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or psychosis * Balance and/or eyesight problems (such as lack of stereoscopic vision) that could interfere with VR treatment

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.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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.

What they're measuring

Behavioral Approach Test (BAT)

Timeframe: Change from baseline on BAT (1 week)

Behavioral Approach Test (BAT)

Timeframe: Change from baseline on BAT (12 week)

Behavioral Approach Test (BAT)

Timeframe: Change from baseline on BAT (52 week)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02533310

SponsorStockholm University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2018-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Phobia, Specific trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 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.