Telemedicine-Based Virtual Reality Clinic for the Treatment of Phobias

Description

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled efficacy trial comparing the delivery of exposure therapy via a telemedicine-based virtual reality clinic (Doxy.me VR) vs. standard telemental health (TMH) to adults with intense fear of dogs, snakes, and/or spiders. The secondary purpose is to preliminarily examine the efficacy of using Doxy.me VR vs. TMH in reducing phobia severity.

Conditions

Arachnophobia, Cynophobia, Ophidiophobia

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled efficacy trial comparing the delivery of exposure therapy via a telemedicine-based virtual reality clinic (Doxy.me VR) vs. standard telemental health (TMH) to adults with intense fear of dogs, snakes, and/or spiders. The secondary purpose is to preliminarily examine the efficacy of using Doxy.me VR vs. TMH in reducing phobia severity.

Doxy.me VR vs. Telemental Health-Based Exposure Therapy

Telemedicine-Based Virtual Reality Clinic for the Treatment of Phobias

Condition
Arachnophobia
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Tampa

University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States, 33613

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Is an adult ≥ 18 years old
  • 2. Has a self-reported fear of dogs, snakes, and/or spiders
  • 3. Indicates Subthreshold or Present Specific Phobia symptoms as determined by the study therapist via administration of the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) Specific Phobia Module
  • 4. Has access to the internet AND a computer OR smartphone with video conferencing capabilities
  • 5. Will reside in the state of Florida for the duration of the study
  • 1. Is participating in ongoing mental health therapy from a non-study therapist
  • 2. Has had changes to psychotropic medication use within six weeks preceding enrollment in the trial
  • 3. Reports active suicidal and/or homicidal intent or plan as determined by the study therapist via administration of the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) Risk Assessment Module
  • 4. Reports active auditory, visual, and/or tactile hallucinations via the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) Psychosis Module screening question
  • 5. Reports a history of epilepsy or seizures

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of South Florida,

Brian E Bunnell, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of South Florida

Study Record Dates

2024-08-01