Virtual reality-assisted cognitive-behavioral treatment for fear of flying: Acute treatment and follow-up

Fear of flying is a common condition. Virtual reality exposure has recently been shown to be an effective treatment, but fear of flying is heterogeneous, affecting people with distinctly different diagnoses. Thirty-one patients were treated. Over half had a fear of crash, the rest suffered with claustrophobia, fear of heights, or panic disorder with agoraphobia. Twenty-one patients flew following treatment. There were no differences between diagnostic groups. Follow-up showed that patients continued to fly, but with anxiety. Research and treatment implications are discussed.