Using virtual reality homework to help children with selective mutism
The Effect of Virtual Reality Homework Exercises As an Add-On to Behavioral Therapy for Children with Selective Mutism
This study is testing if using virtual reality homework alongside therapy can help children with selective mutism feel more comfortable speaking at school.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amsterdam, North Holland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06882629 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining behavioral therapy with virtual reality (VR) homework exercises for children diagnosed with selective mutism (SM). The intervention involves a structured protocol that helps children gain confidence in speaking at school, supplemented by VR exercises that families can practice at home. The study will utilize a single-case experimental design to compare children's speaking behavior before and after the intervention, while also examining familial factors that may influence treatment outcomes. Participants will receive VR headsets to facilitate their homework exercises over an average treatment duration of 25 weeks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children attending primary school who meet the DSM-5 criteria for selective mutism.
Not a fit: Children requiring inpatient treatment or those with contraindications for VR headset use will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve communication skills in children with selective mutism, enhancing their social interactions and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While virtual reality has shown effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders in adults, this specific combination of behavioral therapy and VR for selective mutism is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The child meets the DSM-5 criteria for SM (as a primary classification). * The child is attending primary school. * Referred to an academic center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Levvel) for diagnosis and treatment of SM * Psychiatric comorbidity is permitted, given that SM is the primary treatment target. * Medication use is permitted, if stable for at least 4 weeks prior to the start of treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * No participating parents. * Parents do not have sufficient mastery of the Dutch language. * Parents or child have an estimated IQ below 75. * The child needs inpatient treatment. * Children with a (medical) condition that is a contraindication for using a VR headset (epilepsy, claustrophobia, facial condition, sensitive vestibular system, panic attacks) * Parents receiving parental guidance which is not part of the standard treatment program. * Children that have received protocolled behavior therapy for SM in the past 12 months.
Where this trial is running
Amsterdam, North Holland
- Levvel — Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
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.