Automated psychological therapy using immersive virtual reality for treatment of fear of heights: A single-blind, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial

Article


Freeman, D., Haselton, P., Freeman, J., Spanlang, B., Kishore, S., Albery, E., Denne, M., Brown, P., Slater, M. and Nickless, A. 2018. Automated psychological therapy using immersive virtual reality for treatment of fear of heights: A single-blind, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Psychiatry. 5 (8), pp. 625-632. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30226-8
TypeArticle
TitleAutomated psychological therapy using immersive virtual reality for treatment of fear of heights: A single-blind, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial
AuthorsFreeman, D., Haselton, P., Freeman, J., Spanlang, B., Kishore, S., Albery, E., Denne, M., Brown, P., Slater, M. and Nickless, A.
Abstract

Background
Engaging, interactive, and automated virtual reality (VR) treatments might help solve the unmet needs of individuals with mental health disorders. We tested the efficacy of an automated cognitive intervention for fear of heights guided by an avatar virtual coach (animated using motion and voice capture of an actor) in VR and delivered with the latest consumer equipment.
Methods
We did a randomised trial of automated VR versus usual care. We recruited adults aged older than 18 years with a fear of heights by radio advertisements in Oxfordshire, UK. We diagnosed fear of heights if participants scored more than 29 on the Heights Interpretation Questionnaire (HIQ). We randomly allocated participants by computer in a 1:1 ratio to either automated VR delivered in roughly six 30-min sessions administered about two to three times a week over a 2-week period (intervention group) or to usual care (control group). Randomisation was stratified by severity of fear of heights. The research team, who were unaware of the random allocation, administered three fear-of-height assessments, at baseline (0 weeks), at the end of treatment (2 weeks), and at follow-up (4 weeks). The primary outcome measure was HIQ score (range 16–80, with higher scores indicating greater severity). This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN11898283.
Findings
Between Nov 25, 2017, and Feb 27, 2018, 100 individuals were enrolled and underwent randomisation, of whom 49 were assigned to the VR treatment group and 51 to the control group. All participants completed the 4-week follow-up. The mean total treatment time in VR was 124·43 min (SD 34·23). Compared with participants in the control group, the VR treatment reduced fear of heights at the end of treatment (mean change score −24·5 [SD 13·1] in the VR group vs −1·2 [7·3] in the control group; adjusted difference −24·0, 95% CI −27·7 to −20·3; Cohen's d=2·0; p<0·0001). The benefit was maintained at follow-up (mean change score −25·1 [SD 13·9] in the VR group vs −1·5 [7·8] in the control group; adjusted difference −24·3, 95% CI −27·9 to −20·6; Cohen's d=2·0; p<0·0001). The number needed to treat to at least halve the fear of heights was 1·3. No adverse events were reported.
Interpretation
Psychological therapy delivered automatically by a VR coach can produce large clinical benefits. Evidence-based VR treatments have the potential to greatly increase treatment provision for mental health disorders.

Sustainable Development Goals3 Good health and well-being
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
PublisherElsevier
JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry
ISSN2215-0366
Electronic2215-0374
Publication dates
Online11 Jul 2018
PrintAug 2018
Publication process dates
Accepted11 Jul 2018
Deposited30 Oct 2023
Output statusPublished
Publisher's version
License
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30226-8
PubMed ID14511458
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85053826918
Web of Science identifierWOS:000440070600021
LanguageEnglish
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