CompletedNot Applicable

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Acrophobia

Czechia43 participantsStarted 2021-07-13

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) as a treatment for specific phobia (acrophobia). The study will randomly assign 42 participants with acrophobia to one of two conditions: a) the experimental condition (consisting of 3 sessions of virtual reality exposure) or b) a control condition. Both groups will receive short information session about general principles of exposure therapy before the start of the study. After the end of the study, the waitlist group will be invited to attend the short version (one or two-sessions) of the VRET. Both groups will receive a final follow-up questionnaires 2 months after the last session.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 64 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: * individual meeting ICD-10 criteria for diagnosis of specific phobia * fluent in Czech Exclusion Criteria: * currently receiving psychological treatment for acrophobia * psychotropic medication (unless on stable dosage for the previous 1 month and stabilized for the duration of the study) * another severe mental disorder, such as bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder * contradictions to using a virtual reality (e.g., epilepsy, balance problems)

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

Visual Height Intolerance Severity Scale (vHISS)

Timeframe: Immediately Post-Treatment (Controlling for Baseline Score)

Visual Height Intolerance Severity Scale (vHISS)

Timeframe: 2-months Post-Treatment (Controlling for Immediate Post-Treatment Score)

Severity Measure for Specific Phobia-Adult (SMSP-A)

Timeframe: Immediately Post-Treatment (Controlling for Baseline Score)

Severity Measure for Specific Phobia-Adult (SMSP-A)

Timeframe: 2-months Post-Treatment (Controlling for Immediate Post-Treatment Score)

The IAPT phobia scale-avoidance

Timeframe: 2-Weeks In-Treatment (Controlling for Baseline Score)

The IAPT phobia scale-avoidance

Timeframe: Immediately Post-Treatment (Controlling for Baseline Score)

The IAPT phobia scale-avoidance

Timeframe: 2-months Post-Treatment (Controlling for Immediate Post-Treatment Score)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04975854

SponsorNational Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-06-17

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Specific Phobia trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 64 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.

What they're measuring

Visual Height Intolerance Severity Scale (vHISS)

Timeframe: Immediately Post-Treatment (Controlling for Baseline Score)

Visual Height Intolerance Severity Scale (vHISS)

Timeframe: 2-months Post-Treatment (Controlling for Immediate Post-Treatment Score)

Severity Measure for Specific Phobia-Adult (SMSP-A)

Timeframe: Immediately Post-Treatment (Controlling for Baseline Score)

Severity Measure for Specific Phobia-Adult (SMSP-A)

Timeframe: 2-months Post-Treatment (Controlling for Immediate Post-Treatment Score)

The IAPT phobia scale-avoidance

Timeframe: 2-Weeks In-Treatment (Controlling for Baseline Score)

The IAPT phobia scale-avoidance

Timeframe: Immediately Post-Treatment (Controlling for Baseline Score)

The IAPT phobia scale-avoidance

Timeframe: 2-months Post-Treatment (Controlling for Immediate Post-Treatment Score)