Integrating Virtual Reality Into OCD Treatment: Comparing Virtual Reality and Traditional Exposure Techniques in a Clinical Sample for Contamination-Related OCD

Virtual reality exposure (VRE) is a useful and effective alternative that can overcome important limitations of traditional exposure methods. A limited number of recent studies have found promising results when examining the use of VRE in the treatment of contamination-related obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of VRE with in vivo and imaginal exposure in reducing contamination-related OCD symptoms. Forty-four participants diagnosed with DSM-5 OCD and whose primary symptoms were contamination obsessions and cleaning compulsions were included in the study. Participants were matched based on their Y-BOCS scores and assigned to VRE (n = 7), in vivo exposure (n = 8), imaginal exposure (n = 8) and wait-list control (n = 10) groups. Participants in the exposure groups completed an average of 10 exposure sessions with two sessions per week. The results indicated that VRE reduced the severity of OCD symptoms and contamination-related cognitions, as well as improving psychological well-being. Additionally, the findings suggest that VRE may be as effective as in vivo and imaginal exposure in reducing OCD symptoms, particularly in diminishing contamination-related anxiety and compulsive behaviours. The findings of the study indicate that VRE may offer a viable alternative to other exposure techniques.