Virtual Reality for Anxiety
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to understand how virtual reality (VR) experiences affect anxiety and empathy. Participants will engage in a VR scenario that either provokes fear, such as walking a plank high above ground, or a neutral scenario, like standing on a street curb. College-aged adults who speak English and have normal or corrected vision may be suitable if they do not have certain health issues or extensive VR experience. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research in VR and mental health.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that these virtual reality experiences are safe for participants?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) therapy is generally safe for treating anxiety. Most people handle VR experiences well. Even when VR might cause fear, users report feeling safe and find it easy to use. This therapy often helps lower anxiety, with one study showing a 35% drop in anxiety levels. Some people might feel a little dizzy or uneasy during VR sessions, but these feelings are usually mild and resolve quickly. Overall, VR therapy appears to be a safe choice for many people looking to manage anxiety.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) for anxiety because it offers a unique and immersive way to confront fears. Unlike standard treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication, VR lets participants safely experience fear-inducing scenarios, like walking a plank above a high-rise, in a controlled environment. This method could help people face their anxieties head-on and potentially reduce symptoms in a much shorter time frame. The technology also provides flexibility, allowing for tailored experiences that match an individual's specific fears, which is a significant step forward in personalizing anxiety treatment.
What evidence suggests that this trial's virtual reality experiences could be effective for anxiety?
This trial will compare two different virtual reality (VR) experiences for anxiety. Research has shown that VR therapy can reduce anxiety, and studies have found it effective for people with anxiety disorders. It often works as well as, or even better than, traditional treatments. Specifically, self-guided VR sessions have proven helpful for social anxiety and fear of public speaking. Participants in this trial will either experience a fear-inducing VR scenario, such as walking a plank above a high-rise building, or a neutral VR scenario, such as walking to the edge of a curb at street level. Using VR to face fears in a safe environment may help lower anxiety levels.12467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jennifer Britton, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Miami
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals interested in exploring how empathy can be affected by virtual reality experiences. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, so it's best to contact the study organizers for details on who can participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
VR Experience
Participants undergo a single virtual reality exposure lasting approximately 1-2 minutes, involving either a fear-inducing or neutral scenario
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in heart rate, anxiety, and empathy scores after the VR experience
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Fear-inducing Virtual Reality (VR) experience
- Neutral Virtual Reality (VR) experience
Trial Overview
The study is testing how a fear-inducing VR experience versus a neutral VR experience impacts empathy. Participants will undergo both types of VR sessions while their subjective feelings and physical responses are monitored.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will complete a single virtual reality (VR) exposure lasting approximately 1-2 minutes, involving a fear-inducing scenario (e.g., walking a plank above a high-rise building or canyon).
Participants will complete a single virtual reality (VR) exposure lasting approximately 1-2 minutes, involving a neutral scenario (e.g., walking to the edge of a curb at street level).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Miami
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in the treatment ...
The current findings suggest that VR therapy interventions have a positive effect on improving the anxiety state of patients with anxiety disorders.
Review article Self-guided virtual reality therapy for anxiety
The findings revealed that self-guided VR interventions for anxiety can provide an effective treatment of social anxiety disorder, public speaking anxiety, and ...
Virtual Reality in Phobia Treatment and Emotional Resilience
Studies comparing VR-based exposure therapy to traditional methods highlight that VR exposure leads to similar or greater reductions in anxiety ...
Efficacy of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Scripts for ...
An early study showed that four therapist-facilitated 12-to-15-minute sessions of VRE (vs. WL) efficaciously reduced public speaking phobia for highly anxious ...
The Effectiveness of Self-Guided Virtual-Reality Exposure ...
This pilot study aimed to determine whether self-guided VRET (1) increases exposure to PSA-specific virtual social threats, and (2) reduces anxiety, arousal, ...
Virtual Reality in Anxiety - An Overview
In an analysis of 20 studies, VRET proved to be a promising tool for the treatment of both social and public speaking anxiety offering an ...
Efficacy of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Scripts for ...
The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy virtual reality videos to facilitate exposure therapy in social anxiety disorder (SAD).
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