Exploring time perception in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder using virtual reality

EEG and Behavioural Correlates of Virtual Reality Treatment of Environmental Zeitgebers in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Not applicable Interventional Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France · NCT04432116

This study is trying to see how people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder experience time differently by using virtual reality games.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstitut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France Government
Locations1 site (Strasbourg)
Trial IDNCT04432116 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder perceive the passage of time, which may be linked to their sense of self. Using virtual reality, the researchers will create playful methods to evaluate time-related disorders in these patients compared to healthy individuals. The protocol involves two experimental sessions where participants will estimate time intervals after engaging in virtual reality games designed around temporal waiting. The goal is to better understand time perception alterations and their potential implications for predicting psychotic episodes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 60 diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with acute psychotic episodes or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for predicting psychotic conversions in vulnerable patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using virtual reality for assessing time perception is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cognitive processes in psychiatric disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \- Participant, male or female, between 18 and 60 years old
* Subject affiliated to a social health insurance scheme (beneficiary or entitled person)
* Subject who has dated and signed an informed consent form
* For a woman of childbearing age, negative pregnancy test and effective contraception throughout the study
* A patient under guardianship, whose guardian has dated and signed a consent, as well as the patient if able.
* A patient under guardianship, whose consent has been obtained, if necessary, by the guardian or with the assistance of the guardian, prior to the commencement of any trial-related procedures.

Patients only:

* Patients with psychotic disorders (schizophrenia-like): Patients with diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia as defined by the DSM V (American Psychiatric Association, 2015).
* Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A patient with diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder as defined by the DSM V (American Psychiatric Association, 2015).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Substance Use Disorders (as defined by DSM-V)
* Intake of benzodiazepines (in the period before inclusion, for a duration equivalent to 5 half-lives of the product), cannabis (in the 2 months before inclusion) or hallucinogenic substances (in the period before inclusion, for a duration equivalent to 5 half-lives of the product).
* A neurological pathology or sequelae
* Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
* Borderline personality disorder
* Disabling sensory impairment, including visual acuity (corrected, if applicable) \< 0.8 (due to the use of visual aids) (Freiburg Vision Test, Bach 1996)
* Person deprived of liberty or under the safeguard of justice
* Pregnant, parturient or breastfeeding women
* Subject in a period of exclusion defined by another clinical study.

Healthy volunteers only:

History of major neurological or psychiatric illness with ongoing psychotropic medication (i.e., antidepressant, thyroid regulator, antipsychotic, benzodiazepine or hypnotic).

Patients only:

Only patients treated with neuroleptics, whether or not combined with an anti-parkinsonian corrector or anti-depressant, will be included. Patients taking benzodiazepines will be excluded

Where this trial is running

Strasbourg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SchizophreniaBipolar Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.