Virtual Reality-based Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy for Specific Phobias

Virtual Reality-based Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy for Specific Phobias

The goal of this clinical trial is to study the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) application in treating phobia. It will also learn about the feasibility and safety of the application for independent use.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does the VR EMDR application reduce distress, improve positive cognitions, and decrease avoidance of specific phobias? Can the application help diminish phobia-related bodily sensations and encourage cognitive shifts toward positive beliefs and greater confidence in confronting previously avoided situations? Can the participants independently administer the treatment with minimum assistance?

Participants will:

Visit the site and take the VR EMDR phobia treatment every day for one week. Report their phobia and simulator sickness symptoms through self-report questionnaires or semi-structured interviews.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have a specific phobia (not necessarily clinically significant)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of mental health disorders
• History of trauma associated with their phobia
• History of panic attacks associated with their phobia
• History of psychosis
• Current self-harm
• Current suicidal ideation
• Regular use of substances that might affect mental state
• Regular use of medications that might affect mental state
• Significant visual impairments
• Severe motion sickness