The Oxford team estimate that around 1-2% of the population have severe paranoia at some point in their lives, typically associated with a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia.
Patients have such a strong sense of mistrust that they avoid contact with people and may rarely leave home.
The study was small and the patients had just one half-hour session of virtual reality with no long-term follow-up. However, Prof Freeman said the results were "exceptionally good".
He added: "I think this a glimpse into the future of mental healthcare. There is a revolution underway in virtual reality with many headsets becoming available.
"As these become more affordable we will see them used not just in clinical settings, but in people's homes."
Toby Brabham, aged 45, was diagnosed with schizophrenia more than 20 years ago, and has experienced severe paranoia.
He told me: "I used to experience persecutory voices - they would be having a go at me.
I would avoid going out and when I did it was with my head down so I avoided eye contact. It was very isolating."
Toby is now being successfully treated, and agreed to test out the virtual reality system for the BBC.
'Exciting to see'
Afterwards he said: "If I go on a Tube train or lift now I will certainly remember the virtual reality experience and I think it will be helpful in reducing any feelings of anxiety that I may have."
Dr Kathryn Adcock, head of neurosciences and mental health at the Medical Research Council, said:
"Virtual reality is proving extremely effective in the assessment and treatment of mental health problems.
"This study shows the potential of its application to a major psychiatric problem."
Brian Dow, at the charity Rethink Mental Illness, said: "It's exciting to see cutting-edge technology used innovatively to treat what can be an extremely frightening and disruptive symptom for some people experiencing mental illness. "
Source: BBC
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