Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Gambling Disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In adults diagnosed with gambling disorder, the study compares virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) embedded in cognitive-behavioral therapy to imaginal exposure therapy within CBT. The trial examines non-inferiority on gambling disorder symptoms after 12 treatment sessions and again over 12 months of follow-up. Secondary measures include gambling behavior, craving, gambling-related cognitions, and changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Interventions consist of CBT for GD, imaginal cue exposure, and VRET in a controlled outpatient setting across multiple French centers. Eligibility requires DSM-5 GD, a SOGS score of 5 or higher, regular casino gambling, French comprehension, and consent to participate.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Seek treatment for GD within one of health care facilities participating in the research (first request for treatment and not patients already receiving treatment for gambling disorder in the care center).
* Meet a current diagnosis of gambling disorder according to DSM-5 criteria and with a South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) score ≥ 5
* Meet a casino gambling behavior with a casino gambling frequency ≥ 1 time every two months during the last 12 months
* Have a sufficient understanding of French for therapy
* Beneficiary of the French social security system
* Give an informed consent to participate
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and duration

Exclusion Criteria:

* Visual disturbance making impossible the use of virtual reality equipment (e.g. advanced retinal degeneration, central scotoma, age-related macular degeneration)
* Pregnant woman
* Minor or adult under guardianship, conservatorship, under judicial protection, persons deprived of their liberty
* Balance disorder (e.g. cerebellar disorder, inner ear disorder)
* Photosensitive epilepsy
* Refusal to participate

Where it's running

• CH Seclin Carvin CSAPA
  Seclin, France Recruiting
• CHU Amiens-Picardie
  Amiens, France Not yet recruiting
• CH Boulogne sur mer CSAPA
  Boulogne-sur-Mer, France Not yet recruiting
• CHU de Caen
  Caen, France Not yet recruiting
• Hôpital Fontan, CHU lille
  Lille, France Not yet recruiting
• Assoriation Cédragir Lomme CSAPA
  Lomme, France Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Pierre TAQUET, PhD — University Hospital, Lille
• Study coordinator: Pierre TAQUET, PhD
• Email: pierre.taquet@chru-lille.fr
• Phone: 0320445838

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.