Virtual-reality-assisted treatment of flight phobia

Helene S. Wallach, Margalit Bar-Zvi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Flight phobia is a common and debilitating specific phobia. Recently, an effective technology, called Virtual Reality (VR), has been developed for the treatment of various anxiety disorders including flight phobia. Method: This article reports the results of a pilot study consisting of four subjects treated for Flight Phobia using Virtual Reality. Results: All four subjects flew post-treatment. They experienced a significant reduction in fear of flying on two measures - anxiety about flying and global rating of fear of flying. Limitations: Due to the small sample size, the lack of a control group, and the lack of objective measures, caution must be exercised in interpreting the results. Conclusions: The use of Virtual Reality psychotherapy is relatively new worldwide, as well as in Israel. This study suggests the utility of implementing this technology in Israel.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)29-32
Number of pages4
JournalIsrael Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences
Volume44
Issue number1
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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