Using Virtual Reality and Hypnosis to Reduce Chronic Itch

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Exploring How Contagious Itch Works on the Skin

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• Placebo effects on histamine and cowhage-induced itch

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.