In Vivo Versus Augmented Reality Exposure for Small Animal Phobia

In Vivo Versus Augmented Reality Exposure for Small Animal Phobia Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to explore the differential efficacy of in vivo exposure versus augmented reality exposure in the treatment of specific phobia (small animals).

The hypothesis is: There will not be significant statistical differences in the efficacy of in vivo exposure therapy versus augmented reality exposure in the treatment of specific phobia (small animals).

Among anxiety disorders, specific phobias are highly prevalent (around 7.2% and 11.3% in the general population). Cockroach or spider phobia is a type of specific phobia, animal type. The gold standard for the treatment of specific phobia (included small animal phobia) is in vivo exposure. Most phobia sufferers (60-80%) never seek treatment. Besides, not all patients benefit from in vivo exposure, given that an important amount of them do not accept the intervention or drop out (around 25%) when they are informed about the intervention procedure.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are pioneer applications that can improve treatment adherence and acceptance. There exist some studies offering preliminary evidence of the efficacy of AR for the treatment of small animal phobia. However, there are not any controlled study exploring the differential efficacy of ICT-based exposure interventions versus in vivo exposure. In the present study the differential efficacy of AR exposure versus in vivo exposure for the treatment of small animal phobia is explored with a between subject randomized controlled trial. A pre-treatment assessment will be conducted in order to establish the diagnosis and evaluate the main outcome measures. All participants will receive an intensive exposure session following Öst guidelines, (in vivo exposure in one experimental condition and AR exposure in the other experimental condition). After the treatment a post-treatment assessment will be carried out as well as follow-up assessments at 3- and 12-month after treatment completion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be between 18-65 years of age.
• To meet current DSM-IV-TR criteria for specific phobia (animal type)
• Have as the major presenting complaint anxiety in, and avoidance of, a large range of situations involving spiders or cockroaches.
• A minimum of 1 year duration of the phobia.
• To have scores over 4 in phobic avoidance (on a scale of 0 to 8).
• Express a willingness to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• To be able to put a hand inside the container with a spider or cockroach during the behavioral test.
• Have other psychiatric problem in immediate need of treatment.
• Have psychotic or organic symptoms.
• Have heart or lung disease.
• Current alcohol or drug dependence or medication.