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

Single-session Gamified Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Spider Phobia vs. Traditional Exposure Therapy: a Randomized Controlled Non-inferiority Trial

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.

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