Virtual reality program to improve cognitive skills in people with psychosis
Examining the Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation Program for People Living With Psychosis
This study tests whether a virtual reality program can help people with psychosis improve their thinking and social skills over six weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05973110 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a virtual reality cognitive remediation program designed for individuals living with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Participants will undergo various assessments to confirm eligibility and will be randomly assigned to either the cognitive remediation intervention or an active control group. Over six weeks, they will engage in virtual reality exercises aimed at enhancing their thinking and social skills, while also providing feedback through questionnaires. The study will measure changes in cognitive abilities and daily functioning both immediately after the intervention and three months later.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 20 to 55 with a diagnosis of a psychosis-spectrum disorder who are clinically stable.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, certain medical conditions, or those without access to a smartphone may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve cognitive and social functioning for patients with psychotic disorders, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for cognitive remediation, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of a psychosis-spectrum disorder * Equal or between 18 to 60 years old * Ability to read and speak English * Be clinically stable, as defined as a total Positive And Negative Severity Symptoms score equal or between 30 - 95 * No changes to their medication dosage, starting a new medication, or stopping a medication within the past month before signing the consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological or medical disorders that may produce cognitive impairment (including head injury with more than 1 minute of loss of consciousness) * Intellectual disability or a score equal or below 70 on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. * Any vision conditions that cannot be corrected with contact lenses or glasses that can fit in the virtual reality googles. * Past history of seizures, fit, and epilepsy * Any severe medical condition related to the eyes, ears, and balance * History of substance use disorder within the last 3 months
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Synthia Guimond, PhD — Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
- Study coordinator: Synthia Guimond, PhD
- Email: synthia.guimond@theroyal.ca
- Phone: 613-722-6521
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.