CompletedInterventional

Developing immersive virtual exposures for obsessive-compulsive disorder

This study is looking into a new way to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a condition causing upsetting thoughts and repetitive behaviours. It's testing if new technologies, like Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), can make exposure therapy more effective and easier for people to stick with. Researchers want to see how engaging and safe an AI-generated exposure system is when delivered through immersive VR or on a large screen. You might be able to take part if you're an adult aged 18-65 with moderate to severe OCD, receiving care at the Champalimaud Clinical Centre in Portugal. Participation involves a mix of standard therapy and short daily sessions using the new technology, all while being carefully monitored. The goal is to improve future OCD treatments.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Champalimaud Foundation

Enrolment target

Start

05 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Mar 2026

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

What is this study about?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a health condition that can cause unwanted, upsetting thoughts and a need to repeat certain actions. One of the best ways to treat OCD is a therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This therapy gently helps people face their fears and learn to deal with uncomfortable feelings. However, some people find it hard to fully engage with these exercises, which can mean the therapy doesn't work as well as it could.

This study is looking into whether new technologies, like Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), can make ERP therapy more engaging and personal for people with OCD. Imagine facing your fears within a safe, digital world! The main goal is to see if this new AI-generated exposure system is practical, acceptable, and safe to use. Researchers also want to understand how emotionally involved people become with these digital experiences, whether they're in an immersive VR setting or on a big screen, compared to neutral, non-threatening settings.

This research is important because it could lead to better and more engaging ways to help people living with OCD in the future. By making therapy a more positive experience, it's hoped that more people will stick with it and get the full benefits, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Key takeaways

This study uses AI and VR to make OCD therapy more engaging.
It tests exposure via immersive VR, big screen, or neutral environments.
Participants will have standard therapy plus short daily digital sessions.
The goal is to improve future OCD treatments.
Safety and emotional engagement are key aspects being measured.
You can contribute to important research for OCD.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults between 18 and 65 years old. You need to have been diagnosed with moderate to severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and be receiving care at the Champalimaud Clinical Centre in Portugal. Your OCD symptoms should be suitable for visual exposure, meaning your main worries or compulsions can be addressed by seeing certain images or situations – examples include fears around contamination, checking things, or needing things to be ordered just so.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your OCD symptoms aren't suited to visual exposure, or if you have certain other conditions like a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, serious heart problems, sight or hearing issues, or if you tend to get motion sickness or have epilepsy. The research team will carefully check these details to make sure the study is safe and right for everyone involved.

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 18 and 65 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of moderate to severe OCD?
Are your main OCD symptoms related to visual triggers (like contamination or checking)?
Are you currently receiving outpatient psychiatric care at the Champalimaud Clinical Centre?
Do you have any serious heart conditions or a history of psychosis/epilepsy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be randomly placed into one of three groups, meaning it's decided by chance which type of digital experience you receive. You'll have two standard ERP therapy sessions with a trained therapist. In between these sessions, you'll complete five short daily exposure sessions using the digital technology you've been assigned.

The content you experience is made just for you and is carefully checked by doctors to ensure it's safe. Throughout the study, the team will keep a close eye on you. They'll measure things like any distress you feel, how your body responds (like your heart rate), if you experience any motion sickness from the technology, how easy the technology is to use, and your general safety. The total duration of your active participation will involve these therapy sessions and the five daily digital sessions.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some great benefits. You'll receive structured exposure exercises as part of the therapy, which might help you manage your OCD symptoms. You'll also be contributing to important research that could improve future treatments for OCD for many others. It's normal to feel some temporary anxiety during the exposure exercises, as this is part of how therapy works to help you face your fears. However, clinicians will be with you to ensure your safety and provide support whenever you need it. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

King's College London
Approximate
London, England
Champalimaud Clinical Centre
City only
Lisbon, Portugal

Common questions

What is OCD?

OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health condition that causes upsetting, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and a strong urge to do certain actions repeatedly (compulsions).

What is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy?

ERP is a type of therapy for OCD that gently helps you face situations or thoughts that trigger your fears, and then learn to manage without doing your usual compulsions.

What is virtual reality (VR) exposure?

VR exposure means using a special headset to enter a digital world where you can safely experience situations that relate to your fears, without them being real.

Will the study replace my current OCD treatment?

No, this study is exploring new tools as part of your therapy and is not intended to replace your existing medical care. You must already be receiving outpatient psychiatric care.

Who is funding this research?

This study is supported by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

How to find out more

Mariana Pinto da Costa

mariana.pintodacosta@kcl.ac.uk 442078480002 Official trial record

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