Contrasting the effectiveness and efficiency of virtual reality and real environments in the treatment of acrophobia

Previous studies reported good results in using virtual reality for the treatment of acrophobia.
Similarly this paper reports the use of a virtual environment for the treatment of acrophobia.
In the study, 10 subjects were exposed to three sessions of simulated heights in a virtual
reality (VR) system, and 5 others were exposed to a real environment. Both groups revealed
significant progress in a range of anxiety, avoidance and behaviour measurements when
confronted with virtual as well as real height circumstances. Despite VR participants
experiencing considerably shorter treatment times than the real-world subjects, significant
improvements were recorded on the Behavioural Avoidance Test, the Attitudes Toward
Heights Questionnaire and the Acrophobia Questionnaire. These results are suggestive of a
possible higher effectiveness and efficiency of VR in treating acrophobia.
Bial Foundation
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)