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Evaluating Virtual Reality Use in Anxiety Management in Adolescents
Sponsor: Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Summary
This study examines the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) protocols based on mindfulness as a nonpharmacological approach to reduce social anxiety among adolescents. Conducted as a non-randomized, controlled, multi-center trial, the research aims to provide evidence supporting the integration of VR mindfulness interventions into clinical practice to improve mental health and well-being among adolescents. The research focuses on adolescent patients aged 12 to 18 who present with anxiety-related symptoms. Each participant will undergo a single primary care consultation, during which they will experience a 15-20 minute VR session using the Healthy Mind® platform both before and after their clinical encounter. Participants will be screened with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale. To measure changes in anxiety levels, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) will be administered immediately before and after the VR sessions. This setup aims to assess the immediate impact of immersive VR on perceived anxiety in a real-world outpatient environment.
Official title: Evaluating the Potential of Virtual Reality Intervention in Anxiety Management Among Adolescent Patients: An Interventional Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
12 Years - 18 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2026-06-23
Completion Date
2026-10
Last Updated
2026-07-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Virtual reality
Participants will be instructed to engage in a virtual reality relaxation session lasting 20 minutes as part of their primary care visit. The intervention will use the Healthy Mind® virtual reality platform (developed in Paris, France) delivered through virtual reality headsets. Participants will be able to choose from a variety of immersive environments (e.g., beach, lake, mountain), each incorporating animated visuals, soothing audio, and guided breathing exercises. These VR scenarios are grounded in psychological relaxation principles such as cardiac coherence, hypnotic verbal accompaniment, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Standard of care
Adolescent patients attending primary care visits do not receive any structured mental health support or targeted anxiety-reduction strategies as part of routine care prior to their appointments.