RecruitingNot ApplicableInterventional

Investigating the feasibility of virtual reality cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety in autistic young people

This study explores a new approach to help autistic young people aged 12-18 who experience anxiety. It investigates whether virtual reality (VR) headsets can be an effective way to deliver a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Many autistic young people find traditional talking therapies challenging, and this can lead to long wait times and medication use. VR could be an engaging and more accessible alternative. The study will check if this VR therapy is practical to use in NHS clinics, how people feel about it, and if it could lead to bigger studies in the future. The goal is to find better ways to support young people with anxiety, improve their quality of life, and reduce the burden on health services.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Autism

What is this study about?

Many autistic young people experience anxiety, which can make school and daily life difficult. Traditional talking therapies, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), are often recommended, but they don't work for everyone, especially if communication or understanding emotions is a challenge. This can mean longer waits for help and sometimes needing medication for a long time. The NHS is always looking for new and better ways to support people, and virtual reality (VR) might be one of those solutions.

This study is looking into whether using virtual reality (VR) headsets could be a good way to deliver anxiety therapy to autistic young people. Think of it like using a special computer game to help you understand and manage your anxieties in a safe and controlled environment. Many autistic young people are familiar with technology, so VR could be a more engaging and less intimidating way to receive therapy compared to traditional methods. Researchers believe this could make therapy more appealing and effective for them.

This is a "feasibility study," which means it's an early step to see if this idea actually works in practice. The main goal isn't to cure anxiety right now, but to find out if it's possible and practical to use VR for this purpose in NHS clinics. The study will gather information about how easy it is to find participants, how the VR therapy sessions go, and what young people think of the experience. This information will then help doctors and researchers decide if they should run a much larger study in the future to confirm if VR therapy is truly effective.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new VR therapy for anxiety in autistic young people (12-18 years old).
It aims to see if VR headsets can make therapy more engaging and accessible.
Participation involves 12 weekly VR sessions at a CAMHS clinic, with support.
Potential risks include 'cybersickness,' but measures are in place to minimise this.
You can stop participating at any time if you wish.
This is an early study to see if a larger trial should be done in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 12 and 18 who are already receiving care in their local community children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and have significant autistic traits and anxiety. You can still take part if you are taking certain medications for your mental health, as long as the dosage has been stable for at least six weeks.

However, there are reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a history of serious mental health conditions like psychosis, or if you've recently had problems with alcohol or drug abuse. You also can't take part if you are actively planning to harm yourself, have certain neurological conditions like epilepsy, severe migraines, or specific vision problems. If you've had VR treatment in the last six months or are currently in another research study, you won't be able to join this one. It's also important that you can understand English well enough to give your permission and complete the study tasks.

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 between 12 and 18 years old?
Do you receive care from a community CAMHS clinic?
Do you have significant autistic traits and anxiety?
Has your anxiety medication (if any) been at a stable dose for over 6 weeks?
Do you have any conditions like epilepsy, severe migraines, or serious vision problems?
Have you used VR therapy in the last 6 months or been in another research study recently?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would come to your local CAMHS clinic once a week for 12 weeks. Each visit would last about 50 minutes. During these sessions, you would use a virtual reality headset, and a support worker would be there with you. Before you start, you'll have an initial screening appointment where you'll answer some questions and try out the VR headset to see if it causes any motion sickness. Throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete questionnaires to track how you're feeling and how the VR experience is affecting you. You can always choose to stop participating at any time, and you don't have to complete any part of the study that makes you uncomfortable.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some potential benefits. It allows you to try a new and engaging way of having therapy that might be more comfortable and motivating for young people with autism. You'll be contributing to important research that could lead to better treatments for anxiety in the future. As for risks, some people might feel a bit unwell during or after using virtual reality, experiencing something called “cybersickness,” which can include nausea, dizziness, or eyestrain. However, the researchers will check beforehand if you are likely to experience this and will monitor you closely during sessions. You can stop at any time if you feel unwell or distressed, and there will always be a clinician present to support you. The researchers believe these risks are no greater than what you might experience with everyday technology or regular therapy, and the potential for developing an effective new treatment is considered worthwhile. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any point.

Locations (1)

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Hatfield, England

Common questions

What is virtual reality (VR)?

VR uses special headsets to create a pretend, 3D world that you can explore and interact with, making you feel like you are really there.

What is CBT?

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is a type of talking therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, and how to change unhelpful patterns.

Will I have to stop my current anxiety medication?

No, you can continue taking your anxiety medication as long as the dose has been stable for at least 6 weeks before the study starts.

What is 'cybersickness'?

Cybersickness is similar to motion sickness and might cause you to feel dizzy, nauseous, or have eyestrain when using VR. The study will check if you're likely to experience this.

What happens if I don't feel better?

If you participate and don't feel better, you will still receive ongoing support and care from your clinic as usual.

How to find out more

Ella Beeson

hpft.camhsnorth.enquiries@nhs.net +44 (0)1438 792600 Official trial record

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