RecruitingInterventional

gameChange VR: automated virtual therapy to help patients with psychosis reduce anxious avoidance of everyday situations

This study is testing a new virtual reality (VR) therapy called gameChange. It's designed for people with psychosis who experience very strong fears that stop them from going out, sometimes even keeping them housebound. The main goal is to see how well gameChange works within the NHS in real-life situations. The results will help the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) decide if this VR therapy should be fully recommended for widespread use in the NHS across the UK. Participants will use a VR headset to practise being in everyday places, with support from a virtual therapist and mental health staff. The hope is that gameChange can significantly reduce these fears, helping people gain more independence and a better quality of life. The study plans to run from March 2025 to October 2027.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Agoraphobic avoidance (severe) in patients with a diagnosis of psychosis

What is this study about?

This research project is investigating a new way to help people who have psychosis and find it very difficult to go out. They might experience severe fears that keep them at home, sometimes all the time. The treatment being tested is called gameChange, and it uses virtual reality (VR).

If you've ever used a VR headset, you know it can make you feel like you're in a different place. gameChange uses this technology to create virtual versions of everyday situations, like a bus stop or a shop. People can then practise being in these places in a safe, controlled environment, with guidance from a virtual therapist and support from mental health staff. The aim is to help them feel more comfortable and confident when they face these situations in real life.

This study is really important because it's looking at how well gameChange works within the National Health Service (NHS). The findings will help a group called NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) decide if this VR treatment should be officially recommended and made available to more people across the country. It's hoped that this therapy could make a real difference, helping people with psychosis live more independently and enjoy a better quality of life.

Key takeaways

Tests a new VR therapy called gameChange for severe fears linked to psychosis.
Aims to help people leave their homes and improve their daily lives.
The results will help NICE decide if gameChange should be used widely in the NHS.
Involves using a VR headset with support from mental health staff.
Study runs from March 2025 to October 2027.
Funded by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are currently using NHS mental health services or similar community services. You would need to have a diagnosis of psychosis, which could include conditions like schizophrenia, or other mental health conditions where you experience psychotic symptoms.

Crucially, you should also have severe fears that make it hard for you to leave your home or go to everyday places, and you must want help with these difficulties. The researchers use a special questionnaire to check how severe these fears are.

However, there are a few reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have a type of epilepsy that's triggered by flashing lights, or if you are currently in a secure hospital setting or an intensive care unit for mental health. Also, if your English isn't strong enough to understand the therapy and take part in discussions, or if there's another serious medical reason that would make it unsafe or difficult for you to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently receiving mental health services from the NHS?
Have you been diagnosed with psychosis, or a condition with psychotic symptoms?
Do you experience severe fears that stop you from going out, and do you want help with this?
Do you not have epilepsy that's triggered by flashing lights?
Are you not currently in a secure hospital or mental health intensive care unit?
Can you understand and speak English well enough to take part in therapy and discussions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will start the gameChange VR therapy straight away, while the other group will start it after about six months. You will use a special VR headset to practice facing everyday situations in a virtual world. A virtual therapist will guide you, and you'll also have support from a mental health worker.

Typically, you'll have around six VR sessions, but you can have more if needed. The total duration of your involvement will depend on which group you are in, with some participants starting therapy immediately and others after a six-month wait. There are no medications involved in the study itself, but you would continue any treatment or medication you are already on.

Potential risks and benefits

There are some promising potential benefits to taking part in this study. The main hope is that gameChange VR therapy could significantly reduce the fears that stop people from going out, especially for those with very severe problems. This could lead to a much better quality of life, allowing people more independence and freedom to go to places they currently avoid. While the risks are thought to be very small, some people might find the VR experience a bit challenging or uncomfortable at first, just like trying something new. You are always free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (6)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, United Kingdom
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, United Kingdom
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bodmin, United Kingdom
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Hull, United Kingdom
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
City only
Bath, United Kingdom
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Dudley, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition that can cause people to see, hear, or believe things that aren’t real. This can make everyday life very challenging.

What does 'agoraphobic avoidance' mean?

This means having very strong fears about being in certain places or situations, especially crowded ones or those where it might be hard to escape. These fears can be so strong that people avoid leaving their homes.

What is virtual reality (VR)?

VR uses a special headset to create a computer-generated world that looks, and sometimes feels, very real, making you feel like you're actually there.

Will I have to pay to take part?

No, all aspects of the gameChange VR therapy and study participation are free of charge. It's funded by UK research bodies.

Can I continue my regular medication or therapy?

Yes, you would continue with any existing treatment or medication you are already taking. This study aims to see how gameChange works alongside your usual care.

How to find out more

Daniel Freeman

daniel.freeman@psy.ox.ac.uk +44 1865223635 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.