CompletedNot Applicable

Efficacy of a VR Paradigm to Reduce Fear of Heights in a Clinical and Subclinical Population With Fear of Heights

Switzerland80 participantsStarted 2018-10-16

Plain-language summary

Investigation of the effectiveness and acceptability and usability of a VR height exposure App in individuals with fear of heights.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 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: * Clinical fear of heights (DSM-V) or subclinical fear of heights (fulfilment of DSM-C criteria A-E and G, but not F: distress/impairment) * Physically healthy * Aged between 18-60 * Fluent in German Exclusion Criteria: * Depression (BDI-II \> 8) * Suicidal ideation (BDI-II item 9 \> 0) * Concurrent psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy * Previous therapy for height phobia * Parallel participation in another study * Pregnancy (will be excluded with a pregnancy test during screening) * Chronic medication intake (except oral contraceptives) * Alcohol and medication intake before visit (less than 12 h) * Cannabis or other psychoactive substances (including benzodiazepines) intake before visit (less than 5 days) * Sleep-inducing drugs (incl. antihistamines) intake before visit (less than five days) * Restricted 3D sight

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

Performance Behavioural Avoidance Test (BAT) in vivo

Timeframe: study phase 1: on study day within 1h after VR exposure, study phase 2: 3-5 weeks after completion of home training

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04003753

SponsorProf. Dominique de Quervain, MD

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-05-24

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Fear of Heights trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 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.