Virtual reality to enhance behavioral activation for depression in older adults
Official title: VR-Enhanced BA for Older Adults With Major Depressive Disorder
Run by Stanford University · NCT07188623 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try using a VR headset alongside behavioral activation therapy to help people aged 65 and older who have major depressive disorder.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07188623 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults age 65 or older who meet DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder, have no cognitive impairment, and have been on stable psychotherapy and psychotropic medication regimens per the study time windows.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent substance use disorders, psychosis or bipolar I disorder, recent seizures or untreated epilepsy, active suicidal intent, current nonsuicidal self-injury, significant cognitive impairment, or those changing medications or psychotherapy recently are unlikely to benefit or to be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Older adults with major depressive disorder will work weekly with a therapist to identify pleasant and mastery activities, schedule them, and track mood and activity. Participants will be loaned an immersive VR headset and asked to choose and complete VR activities between sessions while rating mood before and after use. The study's primary goals are to test the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of adding VR to behavioral activation, with a secondary aim of exploring whether VR-enhanced BA improves depressive symptoms. Data collected will include activity/mood monitoring, session notes on barriers and problem-solving, and pre/post mood ratings around VR use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding VR could make behavioral activation more engaging and help improve mood and activity levels for older adults with depression.
How similar studies have gone: Some pilot studies of VR and other digital tools for depression have shown promise, but VR-enhanced behavioral activation specifically in older adults is relatively novel and not yet widely proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient must meet DSM V criteria for MDD * Patient must be at least 65 years of age * Patient must be English speaking * Without cognitive impairment Exclusion Criteria: * Substance Use Disorders in past year * Any psychosis or bipolar I disorder * Any seizure in the last 6 months or untreated epilepsy * Current nonsuicidal self-injury or parasuicidal behavior * Current suicidal urges and intent * Changing psychotherapy treatment within three months of study entry * Changing psychotropic medication(s) within two months of study entry
Where it's running
-
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Margot Paul, PsyD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Margot Paul, PsyD
- Email: mdpaul@stanford.edu
- Phone: 510-556-0157
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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.