AI-guided virtual reality cognitive behavioral therapy for depression
Utilizing Embodied Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Development of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression in Virtual Reality (VR): a Pilot RCT
This project will test an AI-guided virtual reality version of cognitive behavioral therapy to help Cantonese-speaking young adults (18–40) with depressive symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07172113 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional program uses an embodied AI avatar to deliver digital CBT inside a virtual reality environment for adults with depressive symptoms. The trial enrolls native Cantonese-speaking Chinese young adults aged 18–40 who score 10 or higher on the DASS-21 depression subscale. Participants will receive VR-based CBT sessions guided by the embodied AI, with symptom measures collected before and after the intervention using standard depression scales. The work aims to determine feasibility, acceptability, and change in depressive symptoms in a Hong Kong clinical research setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are native Cantonese-speaking Chinese young adults aged 18–40 with depressive symptoms (DASS-21 depression subscale ≥10) who can tolerate VR and give informed consent.
Not a fit: People with bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance use disorder, significant suicidality or self-injury history, voice/speech/language disorders, severe motion sickness or epilepsy, color vision deficiency, or those preparing for pregnancy or who are pregnant are unlikely to be eligible or derive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a more accessible, lower-cost, and less stigmatized way to deliver CBT to Cantonese-speaking young adults with depression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows digital CBT and some VR-delivered CBT can be as effective as traditional CBT, but using embodied AI in VR remains relatively novel with limited clinical outcome data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Chinese young adult aged 18-40 years 2. Native Cantonese speaker 3. Presence of depressive symptoms, as indicated by a score of 10 or higher on the depression sub-scale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). 4. Able and willing to comply with the requirements of the study protocol Exclusion Criteria: 1. A current or history of any psychiatric disorder(s) other than depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorder 2. A current or history of any voice, speech, and language disorders 3. A current or history of non-suicidal self-injury or suicidality 4. Incompetent in giving informed consent for participation in the study 5. A current or history of significant motion sickness, active nausea, and vomiting or epilepsy. 6. A current or history of color vision deficiency 7. Subject who is preparing for pregnancy or pregnant
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.