Virtual reality assessment for asylum seekers with paranoid delusions

Paranoid Behaviour & Threat Evaluation in Asylumseekers Diagnosed With a Psychotic Disorder and Experiencing Paranoid Delusions: A Phenomenological Qualitative Virtual Reality Study

University Medical Center Groningen · NCT06692530

This study tests whether virtual reality can help understand the thoughts and feelings of asylum seekers with paranoid delusions to improve their treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Groningen (other)
Locations1 site (Balkbrug, Overijssel)
Trial IDNCT06692530 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the behaviors and threat evaluations of asylum seekers experiencing paranoid delusions through the use of virtual reality (VR). By leveraging VR technology, researchers intend to assess thoughts, behaviors, and emotions in real-time, addressing the challenges posed by language and cultural differences in traditional diagnostic assessments. The study focuses on individuals aged 18 and over who are receiving treatment for psychotic disorders at CTP Veldzicht in the Netherlands. The goal is to evaluate the applicability of VR as a diagnostic tool for this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are asylum seekers aged 18 and over, diagnosed with paranoid delusions and receiving treatment at CTP Veldzicht.

Not a fit: Patients who are acutely psychotic or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches for asylum seekers experiencing paranoid delusions.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in psychiatric assessments is emerging, this specific application for asylum seekers with paranoid delusions is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 or over
* Receiving treatment from CTP Veldzicht
* Seeking asylum in the Netherlands, registered with Centraal Opvang Asielzoekers (COA)
* Classification (primary or subsidiary classification) of a disorder categorized within the 'schizophreniaspectrum- and other psychotic disorders' (DSM-V)
* Diagnosed with the symptom of paranoid delusion, defined as a PANSS score on the delusion item (P6) \>2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to provide informed consent
* Acutely psychotic, which means overwhelmed by psychotic symptoms, agitated, not able to participate in an interview, as judged by a therapist or socio-therapist.

Where this trial is running

Balkbrug, Overijssel

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Schizophrenia Disorders, Paranoid Delusions

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.