Examining the Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation Program for People Living With Psychosis
This study is testing a new way to help people with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, improve their thinking and social skills. These skills are really important for everyday life, like working, studying, or building relationships. Researchers have created a special virtual reality (VR) program for this, working with healthcare experts and people who have experienced psychosis. The study will see how well this VR program works at improving these skills and how useful it is in daily life. Participants will use VR exercises and talk to staff, then have check-ups to see if the improvements last.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is looking into a new virtual reality (VR) program designed to help people who live with conditions like schizophrenia. These conditions can sometimes make it harder to think clearly, remember things, or interact easily with others. These challenges can then affect everyday activities, such as work, school, making friends, or living independently.
Over the past few years, a team of researchers has developed this special VR program. They worked closely with doctors and nurses, but also with people who have direct experience of psychosis. This was to make sure the program is truly helpful and easy to use. The main goal of this study is to check if this VR program not only works but also how well participants can use the skills they learn in their daily lives after the study ends.
Participants will spend time doing exercises in a virtual reality world and also chat with the study team. The aim is to see if this new approach can genuinely improve thinking abilities, social interactions, and overall confidence when managing day-to-day tasks.
Key takeaways
- This study uses virtual reality (VR) to help improve thinking and social skills.
- It's for people aged 18-60 with conditions like schizophrenia.
- Participation involves VR sessions, assessments, and using a smartphone app.
- The study aims to see if VR therapy can make a real difference in daily life.
- You can stop participating at any time if you change your mind.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be between 18 and 60 years old and have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. You should be able to read and speak English, and your condition needs to be stable, meaning no big changes to your medication in the last month.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain brain conditions like a history of seizures, or head injury that caused you to lose consciousness for more than a minute. If you have severe vision problems that can't be corrected with glasses or contacts that fit in the VR headset, or serious eye, ear, or balance issues, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you've had issues with substance use disorder in the last three months, you wouldn't be eligible.
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 60 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder?
- Can you read and speak English well?
- Has your medication for your condition been stable for the last month?
- Do you have any severe eye, ear, or balance problems?
- Have you avoided substance use in the last 3 months?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have two visits where different assessments will be done to check your thinking, social skills, and how you manage everyday life. Then, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups; both groups will use virtual reality. For six weeks, you'll have 12 training sessions, where you'll do exercises in virtual reality and talk with the study staff about different topics. After each session, you'll fill out some short questionnaires about your experience.
After the six weeks, you'll have follow-up assessments one week later and then three months later, which will be similar to your first visits. You'll also be asked to download a smartphone app called DigiSensing. This app will ask you to complete three short, 10-minute tasks on your phone at the start of the study, one week after the training, and again six months later. These tasks will check your thinking skills, mood, and how you're feeling in general.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Ottawa Mental Health CentreVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'psychosis'?
Psychosis describes conditions where a person's thoughts and perceptions become disturbed, making it hard to tell what's real and what isn't.
What is virtual reality (VR)?
VR uses special headsets to create a pretend world you can step into, making you feel like you're actually there.
What does 'cognitive remediation' mean?
It's a type of therapy that uses exercises and training to help improve thinking skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Will I have to pay for anything?
No, all study-related treatments and assessments are provided free of charge if you take part.
What if I don't like using VR?
You can discuss any concerns with the study team. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any point.
How to find out more
Synthia Guimond, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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