Automated treatment for flight phobia: a 3 1/2 year follow-up.

The authors contacted 43 patients who had been given audiovisual treatment for flight phobia 3 1/2--5 1/2 years previously. Of the 26 subjects who had flown successfully by the end of treatment, 23 had maintained their ability to fly at follow-up. Eighteen said their attitude toward flying was more positive since treatment, and 21 rated their comfort level while flying as "much better" or "better"; however, only 3 said they were "cured." Eleven patients said the treatment had helped to alleviate other fears or anxieties.