oVRcome - Self-guided virtual reality for specific phobias: A randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Digital mental health
• Virtual reality exposure therapy
• Specific phobias

Background:

• Mobile health apps for mental health lack extensive research.
• Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is an emerging treatment for specific phobias.
• Existing VRET studies often use high-end equipment and focus on single phobias.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the oVRcome mobile health application.
• The app combines self-guided VRET and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
• The study assessed the app's efficacy for five specific phobias.

Main Methods:

• A 6-week randomized controlled trial with a waitlist control group.
• Participants (18-64 years) had fears of flying, heights, spiders, dogs, or needles.
• The primary outcome was measured using the Severity Measures for Specific Phobia - Adults scale.

Main Results:

• 126 participants were randomized; 109 completed the 6-week follow-up (86.5% retention).
• The oVRcome group showed a significantly greater reduction in phobia severity (mean change -20.53) compared to the waitlist group (mean change -12.31; p < 0.001).
• A large effect size (0.86) indicated a substantial treatment difference.

Conclusions:

• Self-guided use of the oVRcome app effectively reduced specific phobia symptom severity.
• The findings support the use of mobile health apps for accessible phobia treatment.
• The study provides evidence for oVRcome's efficacy in treating fears of flying, heights, spiders, dogs, and needles.