Agoraphobia, Panic Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
Brief summary
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly for specific phobias as fear of heights and fear of flying (e.g. Powers & Emmelkamp, 2008). Recent technological advances (e.g. more realistic avatars) make research into the efficacy of VRET for participants with elevated agoraphobic symptoms desirable. Therefore, the aim of the present research proposal is to investigate the comparative efficacy of: 1. enhanced VRET making use of the latest avatar technology with 2. exposure in vivo in agoraphobic participants 3. wait-list control.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALVirtual Reality Exposure Therapy for agoraphobic participants
This intervention is comprised of 10 sessions of cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia with components of * Psycho-education, breathing training and cognitive restructuring * Virtual reality Exposure to agoraphobic situations and interoceptive exposure * Relapse prevention
BEHAVIORALStandard exposure in vivo for agoraphobic participants
This intervention is comprised of 10 sessions of cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia with components of * Psycho-education, breathing training and cognitive restructuring * Standard exposure in vivo to agoraphobic situations and interoceptive exposure * Relapse prevention (according to the protocol of Craske & Barlow)
Sponsors
VU University of Amsterdam
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* A full diagnosis of panic disorder with agoraphobia according to the DSM-IV * Between the ages of 18-65 years * Sufficient fluency in Dutch to complete treatment and research protocol
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of medical condition, assessed by self-report questionnaires at the intake (i.e., pregnancy, seizure disorder, pacemaker) * Current use of Beta-blockers * Current use of tranquilizers (Benzodiazepines) * Unstable psychotropic medication * Substance dependence * Psychosis * Depression with suicidal ideation * Posttraumatic Stress Disorder * Dementia or other severe cognitive impairment * Bipolar Disorder * Borderline Personality Disorder * Anti-social Personality Disorder
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS); Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MI); Behavioural Avoidance Test (BAT) | Assessed at pre- and post-treatment and 6-12 months follow-up |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI); Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory (ASI); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS); Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ); Bodily Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ); Panic Appraisal Inventory (PAI) | Process measures: are taken prior to treatment, after the fourth treatment session and at post-treatment. The PDSS and PAI will be administered every therapy session | Process measures are taken prior to treatment, after the fourth treatment session and at post-treatment. The same measures will also be taken at 6 months follow-up. |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed