Using Virtual Reality and Hypnosis to Reduce Chronic Itch
The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-assisted Hypnosis in Reducing Itch: a Proof-of-concept Study
This study is testing whether using virtual reality combined with hypnosis can help people with chronic itch feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universiteit Leiden Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leiden, South Holland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06787794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a combined approach using virtual reality (VR) and hypnosis (VRH) to alleviate chronic itch, a condition that currently has limited treatment options. Participants will undergo six sessions of VRH, which aims to leverage the immersive experience of VR to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of hypnosis. The study will compare the outcomes of those receiving VRH treatment to a waiting list control group, assessing both itch reduction and the psychological burden associated with chronic itch. This innovative approach has not been previously explored in the context of itch management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 who have experienced chronic pruritus for at least one year and have not found relief through standard medical treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric conditions, history of seizures, or significant motion sickness may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic itch.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of VR and hypnosis has not been specifically tested for itch, both modalities have shown promise in other therapeutic contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be adults (aged 18-80 years) * Participants must have been suffering from chronic pruritus of any origin for at least 1 year prior to inclusion in this study * Participants must have been seen by a physician for the itch * Participants must experience psychological and/or functional impairment due to the itch despite standard medical treatment. * Participants must speak and understand Dutch and be able to complete questionnaires. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe psychiatric comorbidities irrelated to their itch condition such as psychosis or severe clinical depression or anxiety disorder (anxiety and depressive symptoms in itself are common in individuals with chronic symptoms and therefore no reason for exclusion); * History of seizures; * History of severe migraine; * Severe susceptibility to motion sickness; * Balance problems; * Face, head, or neck injury; * Visual or audiological impairment; * Pacemaker, defibrillator and/or other electronic (implantable) device of vital importance; * Pregnancy; * Lactation; * Participation in another interventional itch study.
Where this trial is running
Leiden, South Holland
- Leiden University — Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Antoinette I.M. van Laarhoven, PhD — Leiden University, Health Medical and Neuropsychology Unit
- Study coordinator: Antoinette I.M. van Laarhoven, PhD
- Email: a.vanlaarhoven@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
- Phone: +31 71 527 50 81
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.