Virtual reality therapy for people who hear voices
Virtual Reality Avatar Therapy for People Hearing Voices
This study is testing whether virtual reality therapy can help people with schizophrenia who hear voices by changing those voices from negative to supportive with the help of a therapist.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zürich) |
| Trial ID | NCT04099940 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the use of virtual reality avatar therapy to help individuals experiencing acoustic hallucinations, particularly those with schizophrenia and related disorders. Participants will create a visual and auditory representation of the voices they hear, known as an avatar, and work with a therapist to transform this avatar from a controlling figure to a supportive one. The study employs a cross-over design to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of this innovative therapeutic approach compared to traditional assertiveness training. The goal is to enhance patients' ability to manage their hallucinations through cognitive restructuring techniques.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing consistent acoustic hallucinations for at least two months and who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with current neurological disorders or those undergoing substance withdrawal may not benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for patients by reducing the distress associated with hearing voices.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in therapy is gaining traction, this specific approach of avatar therapy for acoustic hallucinations is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Consistent acoustic hallucinations, with the presence of voices for at least two months. * Participants are competent to give informed consent, as determined by the referring physician or psychiatrist. * German language proficiency as a native speaker or level B1 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) Exclusion Criteria: * Current neurological disorder. * Current substance use or withdrawal. * Concomitant group psychotherapeutic intervention.
Where this trial is running
Zürich
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich — Zürich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stephan T. Egger, MD
- Email: stephan.egger@puk.zh.ch
- Phone: +41523049340
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.