Virtual reality exposure did not show an advantage in group anxiety therapy
Phobic anxiety improved in both therapy groups, but limited recruitment and missing data prevented a firm comparison between virtual reality and real-world exposure.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Phobic anxiety decreased in both groups, but the trial found no statistically significant difference between virtual reality and real-world exposure after treatment or at follow-up. This does not establish that the approaches work equally well. Limited recruitment and substantial missing data left the central question of comparative benefit unresolved.
The authors report insufficient recruitment and substantial missing data. This abstract-based comparison therefore cannot establish equivalence or exclude a meaningful difference between the exposure approaches.
What researchers found
Phobic anxiety scores
Virtual reality versus real-world exposure within group cognitive behavioral therapy, after treatment and at 1-year follow-up from baseline.
How exposure was delivered
Virtual reality exposure used headsets showing videos of anxiety-provoking situations. The comparison group practiced exposure in real settings, such as speaking to the group or using a clinic elevator.
Why the comparison remains uncertain
The trial measured phobic anxiety with questionnaires specific to social anxiety and agoraphobia. Similar starting characteristics and dropout rates help describe the groups, but do not overcome the limited recruitment and missing data.
The original publication
Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Virtual Reality Exposure Versus In-Vivo Exposure for Social Anxiety Disorder and Agoraphobia: Underpowered Results From the SoREAL Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial.
Arnfred B, Zeka F, Hjorthøj C et al.
JMIR Ment Health · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41183277
- Record checked
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