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Use of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality During Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Needle Phobia
Sponsor: Stanford University
Summary
This case series study seeks to evaluate the use of a Spatial Computing Device and Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) as an exposure therapy modality for children and adolescents with needle and blood-injection-injury phobia. This study will take place at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) and Stanford Hospital (Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA).
Official title: Use of a Spatial Computing Device and Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality for Exposure Therapy for Needle and Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
11 Years - 17 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2026-05-01
Completion Date
2027-04-30
Last Updated
2026-03-23
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Mixed reality (XR) Exposure Therapy
Participants will engage in a maximum 8-session intervention combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Extended Reality Therapy (XRET) to address needle phobia and blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia. The intervention begins with an initial intake session where the APA-SMS screener results are reviewed. Participants will then undergo VR exposure, with mixed exposure to sham needles in the latter exposure session. Anxiety levels will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS-A) during and after each session. If VAS-A score is less or equal to 5, participants will be able to proceed. If VAS-A score is greater than 5, participants will have the option to exit the study or proceed. The final session includes in-person exposure to a real needle, aiming for voluntary vaccination or IV placement. Coping strategies will be discussed at the final session. Participants will be contacted for follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 weeks to evaluate long-term outcomes.
Locations (1)
Lucile Parkard Children's Hospital
Stanford, California, United States