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

NCT ID NCT06514495

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Mainz, 55122, Germany

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••