Comparing in-person and virtual reality exposure for agoraphobia
Official title: Differential Effects of in Vivo and Virtual Exposure Therapy on the Interoception and Reactivity of Different Body Systems in Agoraphobia
Run by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz · NCT06514495 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try in-person exposure versus virtual reality exposure to see which helps people with agoraphobia (with or without panic) reduce avoidance and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mainz) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06514495 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with agoraphobia (with or without panic disorder) who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, not in ongoing psychotherapy, and not taking excluded medications or having the specified medical or psychiatric exclusions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with current substance dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive episodes, significant medical illnesses, pregnancy or breastfeeding, those taking excluded medications, or those already in psychotherapy are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial compares in vivo exposure therapy with virtual reality exposure therapy for people with agoraphobia, including some with panic disorder. Participants include an agoraphobia group, a clinical control group with social phobia, and a healthy control group, and interventions are delivered at the University Medical Center Mainz. The study combines clinical outcome measures with tests of interoceptive accuracy and biological markers such as cortisol and endocannabinoid-related immune signals to explore mechanisms of change. Common psychiatric and medical exclusions, pregnancy/breastfeeding exclusions, and restrictions on certain medications and ongoing psychotherapy apply.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, virtual reality exposure could offer a more accessible and acceptable way to reduce avoidance and improve daily functioning for people with agoraphobia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials have shown VR exposure can be as effective as in vivo exposure for several anxiety disorders, but applying it to agoraphobia and linking clinical effects to interoception and endocannabinoid markers is less well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Experimental group: Diagnosis of agoraphobia with or without panic disorder * Clinical control group: diagnosis of social phobia * Control group: healthy individuals without acute or chronic mental illness * A depressive disorder may be present as a comorbid diagnosis in the experimental group and the clinical control group Exclusion Criteria: * Other mental illnesses: Substance dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia, eating disorders, PTSD, major depressive episode, personality disorder * Somatic diseases: Cancer, cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, metabolic or endocrine diseases * Taking psychotropic medication (except antidepressants) or medication that affects the cardiovascular system (e.g. beta-blockers), medication containing cortisone, use of creams with corticosteroids * Pregnancy, breastfeeding * Ongoing psychotherapy
Where it's running
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University Medical Center
Mainz, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vanessa Renner, Dr.
- Email: vanrenne@uni-mainz.de
- Phone: +4961313920516
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.