RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT04563390

Effectiveness of a Projection-based Augmented Reality Exposure System in Treating Cockroach Phobia.

Effectiveness of a Projection-based Augmented Reality Exposure System in Treating Cockroach Phobia. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Universitat Jaume I

Enrollment

96 participants

Start Date

Nov 1, 2020

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Specific Phobia

Summary

The main aim of this study is to validate and test the clinical effectiveness of the projection-based augmented reality system in cockroach phobia exposure therapy through an RCT that includes three conditions: (i) projection-based augmented reality therapy, (ii) usual treatment (in vivo exposure), (iii) waiting list control. In addition, it is intended to analyze the potential of the eye-tracking technology as a tool for evaluating the clinical effectiveness in cockroach phobia treatment.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

Being at least 18 years old
Meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for SP (animal subtype) to cockroaches
Having a minimum of six-month duration of the phobia
Sign an informed consent
Presenting a score of at least 4 on the fear and avoidance scales of the diagnostic interview applied

Exclusion Criteria6

Presence of another severe mental disorder that requires immediate attention
Having current alcohol or drug dependence or abuse, psychosis or severe organic illness
Currently being treated in a similar treatment program
Being capable of inserting their hands in a plastic container with a cockroach (during the behavioral test)
Receiving other psychological treatment during the study for cockroach phobia
Start receiving pharmacological treatment during the study (or in case of being already taking them, change the drug or dose)

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALProjection-based augmented reality exposure therapy (P-ARET).

The intervention will be based on exposure therapy to cockroaches using P-ARET. The treatment will follow the guidelines of the "one-session treatment" (OST). Main components: Psychoeducation, Exposure to the feared object (cockroach), modeling (the therapist will interact with the phobic stimulus first and if possible, the patient will follow the same steps), cognitive challenge, and reinforcement and relapse prevention.

BEHAVIORALIn vivo exposure therapy

The intervention will be based on traditional in vivo exposure therapy to real cockroaches. The treatment will follow the guidelines of the "one-session treatment" (OST). Main components: Psychoeducation, Exposure to the feared object (cockroach), modeling (the therapist will interact with the phobic stimulus first and if possible, the patient will follow the same steps), cognitive challenge, and reinforcement and relapse prevention.