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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method to help people with a fear of dogs using augmented reality (AR). Therapists will use AR technology to create virtual dogs in the real world, visible to patients through special goggles. The goal is to help individuals gradually acclimate to dogs without a real one present. This trial suits those diagnosed with a fear of dogs who wish to try augmented reality exposure therapy. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapy methods for overcoming 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 prior data suggests that this augmented reality exposure therapy method is safe for treating cynophobia?

Research has shown that augmented reality in therapy is generally safe and effective for treating phobias, such as the fear of dogs. In several studies, participants found this therapy effective and felt comfortable with the treatment. No major safety issues or serious side effects were reported. Participants did not experience significant negative reactions to the therapy. Overall, the research suggests that augmented reality safely helps people face their fears. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about augmented reality exposure therapy for animal phobia because it offers a new way to confront fears using cutting-edge technology. Unlike traditional exposure therapies that rely on real-life or imagined scenarios, this method uses an augmented reality headset to create a controlled, immersive environment. This allows therapists to tailor the exposure directly to the individual's needs, potentially leading to faster and more effective anxiety reduction. The use of augmented reality could make exposure therapy more accessible and less daunting for patients, broadening its appeal and effectiveness.

What evidence suggests that this augmented reality exposure therapy is effective for dog phobia?

Research has shown that augmented reality in therapy effectively treats specific fears, such as the fear of small animals. Studies have found that this method reduces anxiety and improves interactions with feared animals. Participants in this trial will be divided into two groups. One group will undergo augmented reality exposure therapy, where therapists control the therapy experience using various virtual objects. This approach allows for a more varied and controlled therapy experience, potentially leading to better outcomes for those with a fear of dogs. The other group will not receive this intervention during the trial period. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Arash Javanbakht, MD

Principal Investigator

Wayne State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6352498/

Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and In Vivo Exposure ... This study aimed to study the differential efficacy of VRET, ARET, and iVET for the treatment of small animal phobia. Research had revealed that other exposure ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01361074

In Vivo Versus Augmented Reality Exposure for Small ... The aim of this study is to explore the differential efficacy of in vivo exposure versus augmented reality exposure in the treatment of ...

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1214125/full

The efficacy of augmented reality exposure therapy in ... VRET is an effective approach in reducing patients' phobic anxiety, thus improving their ability to interact with the feared animal (Botella et ...

4. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0148237

In Vivo versus Augmented Reality Exposure in the Treatment ... Results obtained in this study indicate that Augmented Reality exposure is an effective treatment for specific phobias and well accepted by the participants.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S088761852100089X

Effectiveness of a smartphone-based, augmented reality ... A recent study showed the success of inducing fear of multiple animal species including spiders with a first markerless AR app (De Witte et al., 2020), paving ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214782925000132

Augmented reality exposure treatments in anxiety and ... Overall, the results of the included studies are promising for the use of AR for conducting the exposure treatment, especially for specific phobias.