title: Effectiveness of computer-generated (virtual reality) graded exposure in the treatment of acrophobia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors' goal was to examine the efficacy of computer-generated (virtual reality) graded exposure in the treatment of acrophobia (fear of heights).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty college students with acrophobia were randomly assigned to virtual reality graded exposure treatment (N = 12) or to a waiting-list comparison group (N = 8). Seventeen students completed the study. Sessions were conducted individually over 8 weeks. Outcome was assessed by using measures of anxiety, avoidance, attitudes, and distress associated with exposure to heights before and after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences between the students who completed the virtual reality treatment (N = 10) and those on the waiting list (N = 7) were found on all measures. The treatment group was significantly improved after 8 weeks, but the comparison group was unchanged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The authors conclude that treatment with virtual reality graded exposure was successful in reducing fear of heights.
authors.affiliation: College of Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.
authors.forename: B O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Rothbaum
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Hodges
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kooper
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Opdyke
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Williford
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: North
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003201:Computers; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007171:Implosive Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012984:Software; D016896:Treatment Outcome