Virtual reality exposure using three-dimensional images for the treatment of social phobia
Braz. J. Psychiatry (São Paulo, 1999, Impr.)
;
38(1): 24-29, Jan.-Mar. 2016. tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-776502
ABSTRACT
Objective:
To test a potential treatment for social phobia, which provides exposure to phobia-inducing situations via computer-generated, three-dimensional images, using an open clinical trial design.Methods:
Twenty-one patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of social phobia took part in the trial. Treatment consisted of up to 12 sessions of exposure to relevant images, each session lasting 50 minutes.Results:
Improvements in social anxiety were seen in all scales and instruments used, including at follow-up 6 months after the end of treatment. The average number of sessions was seven, as the participants habituated rapidly to the process. Only one participant dropped out.Conclusion:
This study provides evidence that exposure to computer-generated three-dimensional images is relatively inexpensive, leads to greater treatment adherence, and can reduce social anxiety. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
/
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
/
Phobia, Social
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. J. Psychiatry (São Paulo, 1999, Impr.)
Journal subject:
Psychiatry
Year:
2016
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da/BR
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