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Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Inpatients
Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants are randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: a) exposure condition - the group with a standard CBT program enriched with exposure therapy in VR (VRET), b) control condition 1 - the group with a standard CBT program enriched with VR cognitive training aimed at cognitive flexibility or c) control condition 2 - standard CBT program without any additional VR intervention. The treatment effect will be evaluated using pre/post assessments, as well as monitoring adherence to exposure and response prevention assignments.
Official title: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Inpatients
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
17 Years - 55 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
62
Start Date
2022-11-15
Completion Date
2026-12-30
Last Updated
2025-11-24
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Exposure Therapy (Virtual Reality)
Virtual reality scenarios consists of exposures to OCD symptom provoking stimuli and response prevention (e.g. having dirty hands without washing them immediately) with the support of the therapist. The goal of VRET is sufficient reduction in anxiety and acceleration of progress in classical CBT.
Cognitive flexibility training
Participants play series of various cognitive games previously developed in NIMH aimed at cognitive flexibility. Games are presented using immersive VR (HTC vive headset). The set includes for instance Go/No-go paradigm with a shooting range addressing inhibitory control, Flies - hit a fly game addressing set-shifting and Castle game addressing spatial memory and reversal learning.
Standard CBT program without VR interventions
Standart CBT program (performed in all groups). The program involves regular group and individual psychotherapy sessions 5 days per 6 weeks.
Locations (1)
National Institute of Mental Health
Klecany, Czechia