Virtual Reality Treatment for Adolescents with Depression
VR-Moodboost in the Treatment of Depression; a Proof-of-concept Study
This study is testing a new virtual reality program to see if it can help teenagers and young adults with depression feel better and improve their mood.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 23 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Delft, Zuid-Holland) |
| Trial ID | NCT05486676 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) intervention called VR-Moodboost aimed at enhancing positive affect and reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Participants aged 15-23 will undergo 12 sessions using the Social Worlds VR-CBT software, which is designed to create immersive environments that promote positive emotional experiences. The study will compare symptom changes from baseline to treatment using daily diary data to assess the effectiveness of this novel approach. Informed consent will be obtained from participants and their caregivers before participation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 15-23 with a principal diagnosis of mild to severe depression.
Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbid psychiatric disorders, high suicidality risk, or those currently using antidepressants or antipsychotics may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a new, effective treatment option for adolescents struggling with depression, potentially improving their emotional well-being and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in therapeutic settings is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting positive affect in adolescents with depression is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * A principal diagnosis of mild-severe depression, either a first or a recurrent episode, as determined by a BIG-registered psychologist (clinical or GZ) or psychiatrist. The severity of the current depressive episode will be determined following the guidelines of the SCID-5 and the SCID-5 Junior. * Age between 15-23. * Written informed consent by the patient (age 16-23) or by the patients AND a caregiver (age 15) to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria * Intellectual disability in the history. * A principal diagnosis of depression with psychotic features. * Current high suicidality risk (suicidality plans). * Severe comorbid psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia-like disorders, bipolar disorder or addictive disorders in the past six months. * Current use of antidepressants, antipsychotics or sedatives. * Uncorrected hearing- or vision problems
Where this trial is running
Delft, Zuid-Holland
- GGZ Delfland — Delft, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Claudi LH Bockting, PhD — Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Study coordinator: Nancy Schipper-Kramer Freher, MSc
- Email: n.schipper@ggz-delfland.nl
- Phone: +316 83 18 56 45
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.