Virtual reality therapy for people hearing voices
Virtual Reality Therapy for Voice Hearing (VR-VOICES): a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing a new virtual reality therapy to see if it can help people who hear distressing voices feel better and gain control over their experiences.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 112 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Groningen, Provincie Groningen and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06013748 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a novel virtual reality therapy (VR-VOICES) designed to help patients experiencing distressing auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH). Participants will engage in 7-10 sessions of VR-assisted therapy, where they create a digital avatar representing the voice they hear, allowing them to interact and gain control over it. The study compares the outcomes of this VR intervention against standard treatment approaches, assessing changes in the severity and frequency of AVH, as well as overall quality of life. The trial aims to provide a more effective psychological intervention for individuals with psychiatric disorders who struggle with AVH.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16 and older with a DSM-5 diagnosis who have experienced distressing auditory verbal hallucinations for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients with primary substance use disorders, organic brain diseases, or those unable to communicate in Dutch may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce the distress and frequency of auditory hallucinations for patients, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies suggest that similar innovative psychological therapies using avatars have shown promise, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Having a DSM-5 diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder * Distressing AVH for minimally 3 months. * Age 16 years or older Exclusion Criteria: * Insufficient command of the Dutch language * Unable to provide informed consent * Primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder, or organic brain disease (such as dementia) * A degree of substance abuse that hinders treatment adherence * Auditory verbal hallucinations in a language not spoken by therapists * Patients cannot receive CBT specifically focused at gaining empowerment over voices during the study period or 6 months prior to enrolment.
Where this trial is running
Groningen, Provincie Groningen and 2 other locations
- Lentis — Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands (Not_yet_recruiting)
- GGZ Drenthe — Assen, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- University Medical Center Groningen — Groningen, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chris Geraets, dr
- Email: c.n.w.geraets@umcg.nl
- Phone: 0031649231353
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.