Comparing in-person and virtual reality exposure for agoraphobia
Differential Effects of in Vivo and Virtual Exposure Therapy on the Interoception and Reactivity of Different Body Systems in Agoraphobia
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mainz) |
| Trial ID | NCT06514495 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Mainz
- University Medical Center — Mainz, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vanessa Renner, Dr.
- Email: vanrenne@uni-mainz.de
- Phone: +4961313920516
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.