VIRTUAL-REALITY GRADED EXPOSURE IN THE TREATMENT OF ACROPHOBIA - A CASE-REPORT

This is the first case report to test the efficacy of computer-generat ed virtual reality (VR) for the treatment of acrophobia (fear of heigh ts). The subject was a 19-year-old undergraduate student with a fear o f heights, particularly of elevators. Twice weekly, sessions were cond ucted for 3 weeks, for a total of 5 sessions. Outcome was assessed on measures of anxiety, avoidance, attitude, distress, and included a beh avioral avoidance test. VR graded exposure was successful in reducing fears of heights. VR graded exposure is proposed as a new medium for e xposure therapy.