Augmented Reality Exposure for Animal Phobia

Overseen By Kathleen Gorski, LMSW

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Wayne State University

Must not be taking: Antidepressants, Mood stabilizers, Benzodiazepines

Disqualifiers: Psychotic disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, PTSD, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4-8 weeks

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial uses augmented reality to help people who are afraid of dogs. Patients wear special glasses that show virtual dogs in their real surroundings. A therapist guides them through interactions with these virtual dogs to help reduce their fear.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking antidepressant medications, mood stabilizers, or benzodiazepines to participate in this trial.

What data supports the effectiveness of augmented reality exposure therapy for animal phobia?

Research shows that augmented reality exposure therapy is effective for treating specific animal phobias, like fear of spiders and cockroaches. Studies found that participants using augmented reality significantly reduced their fear levels and maintained these improvements over time, making it a well-accepted and effective treatment option. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is augmented reality exposure therapy safe for treating animal phobias?

Augmented reality exposure therapy has been shown to be well accepted and safe for treating specific phobias, with participants reporting positive experiences and satisfaction with the treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

How does augmented reality exposure therapy differ from other treatments for animal phobia?

Augmented reality exposure therapy is unique because it combines real-world environments with virtual elements, allowing patients to face their fears in a controlled and less aversive way compared to traditional in vivo exposure. This method is well-accepted by patients and can be more accessible and cost-effective, as it doesn't require modeling entire virtual environments. ^{1 2 3 4 7}

Research Team

Arash Javanbakht, MD

Principal Investigator

Wayne State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who have a strong fear of dogs (cynophobia) as their main issue, confirmed by DSM-5 criteria. Participants must be willing and able to consent to the study. It's not suitable for those with unstable behavior, visual or auditory disabilities that affect AR goggle use, seizure history, under court care, on certain medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, or with serious medical conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing and able to consent for involvement in the study

Exclusion Criteria

Wards of the court

I have a serious health or brain condition.

I am currently taking antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or benzodiazepines.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo 1-4 sessions of augmented reality exposure therapy, each lasting up to 90 minutes, to reduce anxiety regarding the feared object

4-8 weeks

1-4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including a Behavioral Approach Test and Dog Phobia Questionnaire

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Augmented reality exposure therapy

Trial Overview The trial tests an augmented reality exposure therapy method for dog phobia using patented software and AR devices in a clinical setting. The patient undergoes guided exposure to virtual dogs in various forms while wearing AR goggles to reduce their fear response.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The experimental group will go through an exposure therapy session using an augmented reality headset device. The participant will work with the therapist, who will control the augmented reality paradigm and cater the exposure to the needs of the participant. The duration of the exposure will be as long as is needed to reduce anxiety regarding the feared object until self-reported subjective distress is low and stable.

Group II: Non-intervention Active Control 1 Intervention

The control group will not go through an exposure therapy session using an augmented reality headset device. This will be a no-intervention control group that can have some form of exposure therapy following the conclusion of the treatment/research period.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wayne State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

318

Recruited

111,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In Vivo versus Augmented Reality Exposure in the Treatment of Small Animal Phobia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2023]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a smartphone-based, augmented reality exposure app to reduce fear of spiders in real-life: A randomized controlled trial. [2021]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treating cockroach phobia with augmented reality. [2015]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a projection-based augmented reality exposure system in treating cockroach phobia: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. [2023]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality One-Session Treatment of Child-Specific Phobia of Dogs: A Controlled, Multiple Baseline Case Series. [2021]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving the efficacy of exposure therapy using projection-based augmented reality for the treatment of cockroach phobia: a randomised clinical trial protocol. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mixing realities? An application of augmented reality for the treatment of cockroach phobia. [2005]