Psychedelic virtual reality therapy for clinical depression
Effect of Psychedelic VR-augmented Therapy on Patients With Clinical Depression
This study is testing whether a virtual reality experience that mimics psychedelic effects can help people with clinical depression feel better compared to a regular virtual reality experience.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Tartu Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tallinn, Harju) |
| Trial ID | NCT06174285 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-like experiences simulated through virtual reality (VR) for patients suffering from clinical depression. The study is divided into two arms: one utilizing 'Psyrreal,' a VR experience designed to replicate psychedelic effects, and the other using 'Routine Realms,' a control VR experience without psychedelic elements. The primary goal is to assess how these experiences influence depressive symptoms in a clinical population. Participants will undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to confirm eligibility based on persistent depressive symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing persistent depressive symptoms and fluent in Estonian.
Not a fit: Patients with significant impairments in vision, hearing, or balance, or those with active suicidal ideation, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with clinical depression.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of psychedelics in therapy has shown promise, the specific application of VR to replicate psychedelic experiences is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Persistent depressive symptoms observed during the initial screening and confirmed at baseline, as determined through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. * Provision of written informed consent by the participant. * Fluent in Estonian as a native language. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of significant impairments in vision, hearing, or balance. * Active suicidal ideation or current engagement in self-harm behaviors. Note: Individuals meeting this criterion will be directed to suitable crisis intervention services. * Established diagnosis of bipolar disorder. * Manifestation of psychotic symptoms. * History of schizophrenia, either personally or within two generations of the family lineage. * Ongoing diagnosis of epilepsy, dementia, or any other neurological condition that could interfere with the effective utilization of virtual reality (VR) technology. * Susceptibility to motion sickness.
Where this trial is running
Tallinn, Harju
- Confido Medical Centre — Tallinn, Harju, Estonia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jaan Aru, PhD — University of Tartu
- Study coordinator: Karl Kristjan Kaup, MSc
- Email: kaup.kristjan@gmail.com
- Phone: +372 5342 8489
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.