Virtual reality exposure therapy for outpatients with OCD
Official title: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Outpatients
Run by National Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic · NCT07206199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether virtual reality exposure therapy can reduce OCD symptoms in adults receiving outpatient psychiatric or psychological care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Klecany, Česká Republika) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07206199 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults diagnosed with OCD (DSM‑5) who are fluent in Czech, treated as outpatients, without major comorbid psychiatric, neurological, or serious somatic illnesses, and without contraindications to VR (e.g., epilepsy, balance disorders, pregnancy, implanted devices) are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active substance abuse, severe comorbid mental or neurological disorders, contraindications to VR, disallowed psychotropic medications (e.g., benzodiazepines), pregnancy, implanted medical devices, or inability to attend in-person visits in Czech are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial uses an immersive "OCD house" virtual environment displayed on Meta Quest 2 headsets to deliver five weekly exposure sessions tailored to common OCD triggers. Participants complete baseline questionnaires, spend five weeks on a waitlist, then receive five weeks of VR exposure using a within-subject pre/post design. Therapists control and gradually increase difficulty across four standardized levels and can interact with the patient via a streaming app while patients use hand tracking to engage with virtual stimuli. Outcomes include symptom scales and monitoring of adherence to exposure and response prevention assignments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this approach could offer a scalable, engaging alternative to traditional exposure therapy that may improve symptom reduction and adherence for outpatients with OCD.
How similar studies have gone: Immersive VR exposure has shown strong results for phobias and anxiety and small pilot studies in OCD show promise, but large randomized trials specifically for OCD remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of OCD (F42) using currently valid DSM-V and ICD-11 * Fluent in Czech Exclusion Criteria: * Any other psychiatric, neurological and serious somatic illness * Substance abuse * Psychotropic medication (e.g. benzodiazepines) except antidepressants, antipsychotic medication and hypnotics. * Contradictions to using a virtual reality (e.g., epilepsy, balance problems) * Pregnancy * Cardiostimulator and mental implants
Where it's running
-
Nationa Institute of Mental Health
Klecany, Česká Republika, Czechia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pavla Stopková, Ph.D. — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Study coordinator: Iveta Hocko Fajnerová
- Email: iveta.fajnerova@nudz.cz
- Phone: +420608501034
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.