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Search / Trial NCT05939986

A Protocol for a Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Fear of Flying.

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA · Jul 2, 2023

Trial Information

Current as of July 01, 2025

Not yet recruiting

Keywords

Virtual Reality Fear Of Flying Exposure Vibrotactile Cues Anxiety Presence

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help people who are afraid of flying, a condition known as aerophobia. Researchers want to see if using virtual reality combined with different types of sensory feedback—like sounds and vibrations—can make the treatment more effective. They will have 84 participants between the ages of 18 and 65, who will be divided into three groups. One group will experience virtual reality with all three types of feedback (visual, auditory, and vibrotactile), another group will only have visual and auditory feedback, and the last group will go through imagery exercises without any sensory feedback. The goal is to determine which method helps reduce fear of flying the most.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to meet specific criteria for fear of flying but cannot have other mental health conditions like panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Over eight treatment sessions, participants will answer questionnaires to track their progress and feelings about flying before and after the treatment, as well as at follow-up appointments six and twelve months later. The researchers hope that the group receiving the most sensory feedback will report less fear and a stronger sense of being present during the treatment compared to the other groups. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it's an exciting step towards helping those with fear of flying.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

  • Inclusion Criteria:
  • Subjects who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, APA, 2013) criteria for FoF.
  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Individuals with a diagnosis of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or psychotic disorder who have received psychotherapy for their FoF, have been taking prescribed medication for their FoF, or have experienced cardiorespiratory disease or an epilepsy attack will be excluded from the study.

About University Of Barcelona

The University of Barcelona, a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to research and academic excellence, serves as a leading sponsor for clinical trials aimed at advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. With a rich history of innovation and collaboration, the university leverages its multidisciplinary expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct rigorous clinical research across various fields, including medicine, pharmacology, and public health. Through its robust network of partnerships with healthcare providers and research organizations, the University of Barcelona is dedicated to fostering advancements in clinical practice and contributing to the development of effective therapies and interventions.

Locations

Barcelona, , Spain

Patients applied

0 patients applied

Trial Officials

José MR Gutiérrez Maldonado, PhD

Study Director

Senior PhD Supervisor

Timeline

First submit

Trial launched

Trial updated

Estimated completion

Not reported