Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in Agoraphobic Participants

VU University of Amsterdam55 enrolled

Overview

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly for specific phobias as fear of heights and fear of flying (e.g. Powers \& Emmelkamp, 2008). Recent technological advances (e.g. more realistic avatars) make research into the efficacy of VRET for participants with elevated agoraphobic symptoms desirable. Therefore, the aim of the present research proposal is to investigate the comparative efficacy of: 1. enhanced VRET making use of the latest avatar technology with 2. exposure in vivo in agoraphobic participants 3. wait-list control.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Panic Disorder Agoraphobia

Interventions

This intervention is comprised of 10 sessions of cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia with components of * Psycho-education, breathing training and cognitive restructuring * Virtual reality Exposure to agoraphobic situations and interoceptive exposure * Relapse prevention

Standard exposure in vivo for agoraphobic participantsBEHAVIORAL

This intervention is comprised of 10 sessions of cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia with components of * Psycho-education, breathing training and cognitive restructuring * Standard exposure in vivo to agoraphobic situations and interoceptive exposure * Relapse prevention (according to the protocol of Craske \& Barlow)

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * A full diagnosis of panic disorder with agoraphobia according to the DSM-IV * Between the ages of 18-65 years * Sufficient fluency in Dutch to complete treatment and research protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of medical condition, assessed by self-report questionnaires at the intake (i.e., pregnancy, seizure disorder, pacemaker) * Current use of Beta-blockers * Current use of tranquilizers (Benzodiazepines) * Unstable psychotropic medication * Substance dependence * Psychosis * Depression with suicidal ideation * Posttraumatic Stress Disorder * Dementia or other severe cognitive impairment * Bipolar Disorder * Borderline Personality Disorder * Anti-social Personality Disorder

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS); Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MI); Behavioural Avoidance Test (BAT)

Time frame: Assessed at pre- and post-treatment and 6-12 months follow-up

Secondary Outcomes

Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI); Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory (ASI); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS); Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ); Bodily Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ); Panic Appraisal Inventory (PAI)

Process measures are taken prior to treatment, after the fourth treatment session and at post-treatment. The same measures will also be taken at 6 months follow-up.

Time frame: Process measures: are taken prior to treatment, after the fourth treatment session and at post-treatment. The PDSS and PAI will be administered every therapy session