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
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.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Barcelona, , Spain
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