Using virtual reality to enhance behavioral activation for depression treatment

Randomized Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Behavioral Self-Activation Through Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Depression

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Montpellier · NCT03621488

This study is testing if adding virtual reality to a depression treatment program helps people feel better and function well compared to a standard program without VR.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Montpellier Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montpellier)
Trial IDNCT03621488 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a behavioral activation program for depression, comparing a version that incorporates virtual reality (VR) with one that does not. Participants aged 18 to 70 with a diagnosis of unipolar depression will be randomly assigned to either the VR-enhanced program or the standard program. The study will assess changes in depressive symptoms and daily functioning over a 24-month period. The goal is to determine if VR can provide additional benefits in treating depression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with a diagnosis of unipolar depression and a BDI-II score of 17 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary depression due to other disorders or those currently undergoing specific treatments like CBT may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a novel and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from depression.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in mental health treatment is emerging, this specific combination of behavioral activation and VR is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults aged 18 to 70,
2. Having a diagnosis of unipolar depressive disorder characterized (diagnostic criteria of depression of DSM-V),
3. Primary depression and not secondary to another disorder (eg social phobia, OCD, severe personality disorder, ASD, TCA, ect.)
4. Showing a score greater than or equal to 17 points on the IDB-II,
5. Followed by a psychiatrist from the University Hospital of Montpellier or a liberal,
6. Can read, understand and speak French,
7. To be affiliated or beneficiary of a social security scheme.
8. Collection of informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

(1) History of head trauma or recent central neurological conditions only (2) Current treatment by seismotherapy or rTMS or CBT. (3) Exclusion from all substance-related disorders except tobacco-related disorder (DSM-V)

\-

Where this trial is running

Montpellier

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions DepressionBehavioral ActivationVirtual reality
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.