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Virtual reality exposure therapy in anxiety disorders: a systematic review of process‐and‐outcome studies
Author(s) -
Meyerbröker Katharina,
Emmelkamp Paul M.G.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
depression and anxiety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.634
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1520-6394
pISSN - 1091-4269
DOI - 10.1002/da.20734
Subject(s) - phobias , anxiety , virtual reality exposure therapy , panic disorder , specific phobia , psychology , exposure therapy , clinical psychology , psychotherapist , generalized anxiety disorder , agoraphobia , cognition , clinical trial , psychiatry , medicine , pathology
In recent years, virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has become an interesting alternative for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Research has focused on the efficacy of VRET in treating anxiety disorders: phobias, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. In this systematic review, strict methodological criteria are used to give an overview of the controlled trials regarding the efficacy of VRET in patients with anxiety disorders. Furthermore, research into process variables such as the therapeutic alliance and cognitions and enhancement of therapy effects through cognitive enhancers is discussed. The implications for implementation into clinical practice are considered. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.