Using virtual reality avatars to help reduce cannabis use in patients with psychotic disorders
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Avatar Intervention to an Addiction Supportive Intervention to Reduce Cannabis Use in Patients With Psychotic Disorders
This study is testing if using virtual reality avatars can help people with psychotic disorders reduce their cannabis use more effectively than regular support.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT05704582 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a novel Avatar Intervention against a supportive intervention in reducing cannabis use among patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders. The study will employ a single-blind randomized controlled design, focusing on patients who meet the DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder and specific psychotic disorders. The Avatar Intervention leverages virtual reality to provide experiential and relational support, addressing the unique challenges faced by this population. Primary outcomes will include reductions in cannabis use, severity of cannabis use disorder, and improvements in quality of life, with additional analyses on various psychosocial factors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 who meet the DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder and have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing treatment for substance use disorders other than cannabis or those with severe neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce cannabis use and improve the quality of life for patients with psychotic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the specific use of virtual reality avatars for this purpose, innovative interventions for cannabis use disorder in psychotic populations are critically needed, suggesting a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males or females over 18 years of age who meet the DSM-5 criteria for CUD (≥4 criteria) ; * Patients will meet the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms. Diagnoses will be established with the Structured Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Exclusion Criteria: * Current SUD for a substance other than cannabis ; * Ongoing pharmacological or psychological treatment for CUD ; * Ongoing detoxification for cannabis withdrawal ; * Presence of neurological disorders ; * Presence of a severe and unstable physical illness ; * Inability to provide consent.
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- Research center of the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexandre Dumais, MD, PhD — University of Montreal, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal
- Study coordinator: Alexandre Dumais, MD, PhD
- Email: contact@avatar-intervention.ca
- Phone: 514-251-4000
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.