The combined use of virtual reality exposure in the treatment of agoraphobia.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

This study compares the differential efficacy of three groups of treatments for agoraphobia: paroxetine combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy, paroxetine combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy and virtual reality exposure, and a group with only paroxetine.

METHODOLOGY:

99 patients with agoraphobia were finally selected. Both combined treatment groups received 11 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy, and one of the groups was also exposed to 4 sessions of virtual reality treatment. Treatments were applied in individual sessions once a week for 3 months.

RESULTS:

The three treatment groups showed statistically significant improvements. In some measures, combined treatment groups showed greater improvements. The virtual reality exposure group showed greater improvement confronting phobic stimuli.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatments combining psychopharmacological and psychological therapy showed greater efficacy. Although the use of new technologies led to greater improvement, treatment adherence problems still remain.

• Authors: Carmen T Pitti, Wenceslao Peñate, Juan de la Fuente, Juan M Bethencourt, María J Roca-Sánchez, Leopoldo Acosta, María L Villaverde, Ramón Gracia
• Journal: Actas espanolas de psiquiatria (Actas Esp Psiquiatr) 2015 Jul-Aug Vol. 43 Issue 4 Pg. 133-41 ISSN: 1578-2735 [Electronic] Spain
• PMID: 26150057 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
• Paroxetine

Topics

• Adult
• Agoraphobia (therapy)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Paroxetine (therapeutic use)
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy