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Virtual Reality Treatment for Trauma Related to COVID-19 Infection
Sponsor: Soonchunhyang University Hospital
Summary
This clinical trial aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based exposure therapy for trauma symptoms related to COVID-19 infection. The intervention targets healthcare workers and individuals from the general population who experienced pandemic-related psychological distress. The study assesses psychological and physiological outcomes, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, HRV, and EEG biomarkers.
Official title: Development of Virtual Reality Treatment Technology to Treat Trauma Related to COVID-19 Infection
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 64 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2025-11-01
Completion Date
2027-07-31
Last Updated
2025-10-09
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
VR Exposure Therapy
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is a form of psychotherapy that uses immersive virtual environments to simulate trauma-related stimuli in a controlled and safe setting, allowing individuals to gradually confront and process distressing memories or triggers. VRET is grounded in prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, a well-established treatment for PTSD and anxiety disorders. In this study, VRET is delivered in 5 weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, using a customized VR system. Sessions are tailored based on participant group (e.g., COVID-19 survivor vs. healthcare worker). Each session includes psychoeducation, exposure to individualized trauma-related virtual scenes, and guided emotional processing. The system incorporates eye-tracking, breathing exercises, and real-time subjective distress scaling (SUDs) to monitor engagement and safety.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Face-to-face CBT with exposure elements, targeting trauma-related symptoms. Administered in 5 weekly sessions.
Supportive Psychotherapy
Therapist-led supportive therapy (TAU), focusing on empathy, validation, and emotional support without structured exposure.