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An internet-based self-applied rat phobia treatment using a Virtual Therapy Assistant: Study protocol for a
Sonia M González-Lozoya1, Victoria Meza-Kubo1, Alejandro Dominguez-Rodriguez2
1Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
Plos One
|February 15, 2023
Summary
This study explores an internet-based, self-applied exposure therapy for rat phobias using immersive multimedia and a virtual therapy assistant (VTA) to improve treatment adherence. The findings support the feasibility of this approach for specific phobia treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Digital Therapeutics
Background:
- Specific phobias are prevalent anxiety disorders often undertreated in low- and middle-income countries due to treatment barriers.
- Traditional self-applied exposure therapies suffer from high dropout rates, necessitating innovative approaches for better adherence.
- Immersive technologies offer potential solutions to enhance engagement and effectiveness in self-administered mental health treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a study protocol investigating the feasibility of an internet-based, self-applied exposure treatment for rat phobias.
- To evaluate the impact of immersive multimedia elements (images, videos, video games, 360° videos) and a Virtual Therapy Assistant (VTA) on treatment adherence and outcomes.
- To assess user satisfaction and perception of the self-applied system and VTA.
Main Methods:
- A protocol for a study involving 45 participants with rat phobia, comparing a self-applied treatment group with a waiting list control group.
- Utilizing a Virtual Therapy Assistant (VTA) for user support and information throughout the internet-delivered exposure therapy.
- Data collection at baseline, post-treatment, and 3- and 6-month follow-ups, measuring anxiety, avoidance, clinical symptoms, satisfaction, and usability.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to evaluate the levels of anxiety and avoidance during multimedia exposure.
- Key metrics include improvement in clinical symptoms, user satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, and ease of use of the self-applied system.
- Expected outcomes will demonstrate the viability of self-applied treatment for rat phobias and the role of a VTA in enhancing treatment adherence.
Conclusions:
- This research is the first to explore exposure therapy for phobias using diverse multimedia elements supported by a VTA.
- The findings are anticipated to support the viability of self-applied virtual reality treatments for specific phobias.
- This work will provide a foundation for developing virtual assistants to treat other specific phobias.
