Virtual reality mindfulness to reduce aggression in schizophrenia
Official title: A Virtual Reality Mindfulness Application for Aggression in Schizophrenia
Funded at Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res · NIH-11369803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VR mindfulness program is being tested to help reduce aggressive outbursts in people with schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orangeburg, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $635,841 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH133785-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders who are in inpatient or clinical care settings and have risk of aggression.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without psychosis or those not at risk of aggression may not experience direct benefits from this intervention.
What this research studies
This project explores a VR-based mindfulness tool designed for inpatients with schizophrenia to help manage impulses and reduce aggression. It will examine how engaging with the VR mindfulness app affects brain activity and behavior in a controlled setting. The study aims to identify measurable changes in emotional regulation and safety as participants use the tool alongside standard care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with schizophrenia could have a new, engaging way to lower aggression and improve safety and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Mindfulness-based approaches have shown reductions in aggression in various populations, but VR-based mindfulness in inpatients with schizophrenia is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
Orangeburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khan, Anzalee — Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psych Res
- Study coordinator: Khan, Anzalee
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.