Virtual vs. real: which exposure therapy works best for agoraphobia?

NCT ID NCT06514495

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two types of exposure therapy for agoraphobia: real-life exposure and virtual reality exposure. Researchers will measure how these therapies affect body awareness and stress-related chemicals. The goal is to understand why therapy works and how to improve it for people with agoraphobia, panic disorder, or social anxiety.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy with exposure (in vivo or virtual reality)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help tailor exposure therapy for agoraphobia by identifying which method works best and why.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (68 participants) focused on understanding mechanisms, not proving a new treatment. Results may not apply to all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agoraphobia panic disorder panic disorder with agoraphobia social phobia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AGORAPHOBIA; PANIC SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Mainz, 55122, Germany

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