3D-Virtual Reality as a tool in cognitive-behavioral therapy of claustrophobic patients

At present we are conducting a control group-controlled multimodal study, using a three dimensional virtual environment as a therapeutical tool. Monitoring includes measurement of psychopathological, neurobiochemical and neurophysiological parameters. In particular, this study is aimed to explain, whether three dimensional virtual environments can be used in claustrophobias on the one hand for stimulus presentation, on the other hand as a therapeutically useful exposure environment. First of all a pilot study was conducted in 1997. 13 healthy subjects and two claustrophobic patients were examined concerning the question, whether during an uninterrupted exposure time of 45 minutes there were significant variations of the measured physiological parameters and related side effects or side effects subjectively impairing the subjects. We concluded from the results of that investigation, that a 45-minute exposure, as far as the tested subjects were concerned, cannot be regarded as anxiety or stress-inducing in itself.