Using virtual reality to help adolescents with social anxiety
Virtual Reality Exposure for Socially Anxious Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
This study is testing whether virtual reality therapy can help teenagers with social anxiety feel better compared to traditional exposure therapy and a waitlist group.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | KU Leuven Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leuven) |
| Trial ID | NCT06379633 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure (VRE) therapy for adolescents experiencing social anxiety. It employs a three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing VRE, in vivo exposure (IVE), and a waitlist control group. Participants will undergo seven training sessions, each lasting approximately 90 minutes, either at their schools or at the Psychological Institute of KU Leuven. The study aims to assess changes in social anxiety symptoms and overall well-being at multiple time points, including follow-ups at three and six months post-intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Dutch-speaking adolescents aged 12-16 with elevated levels of social anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients with severe social anxiety disorder, severe depression, or other significant psychological issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce social anxiety symptoms in adolescents, improving their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for anxiety treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion: * Elevated levels of social anxiety (as per the Social Phobia Inventory; ≥ 19) * Fluent in Dutch * 12-16 years old Exclusion * Severe social anxiety disorder * Severe depression * Psychotic symptoms * Severe suicidal thoughts and / or severe self-harm * Severe substance use * Benzodiazepine use and / or a change of psychoactive medication usage (dose, type) * Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis * Current ongoing psychological treatment (or waitlisted) for anxiety disorders and or depression * Other urgent psychopathologies and/or mismatch between participants' clinical presentation and the offered training * Exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder in the past 2 years * Another person from the same household is participating in the study * Eligible for VR as per the following criteria: * History of extreme/severe motion sickness (e.g., car sick, sea-sick) and / or experiencing extreme/severe symptoms of motion sickness during 3D movies * Stereoscopic vision problem or a balance problem that would hinder the VR experience; * History of seizures, seizure disorder or epilepsy
Where this trial is running
Leuven
- Psychological Institute (PSI) of KU Leuven — Leuven, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dirk Hermans, PhD — KU Leuven
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth S. Uduwa-vidanalage, MSc
- Email: s.e.uduwavidanalage@uu.nl
- Phone: +31 638727709
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.