VR-Reward Training for Depression

(VR-RT Trial)

Overseen By Courtney Forbes, Ph.D

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Must not be taking: Psychotropic medications

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Psychosis, Substance use, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 7 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new virtual reality program to help people with depression enjoy positive experiences more. Participants will try one of two virtual reality interventions: one focuses on enhancing positive feelings (Virtual Reality-Reward Training, VR-RT), and the other on improving memory without emotional content (Virtual Reality-Memory Training, VR-MT). The trial seeks individuals who often feel down, struggle with low happiness, and have difficulties in daily functioning. Participants must be willing to stop any other talk therapy while in the study. The trial lasts about three months and includes in-person sessions and questionnaires. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to experience this innovative approach.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking any current psychotropic medications (medications that affect your mind, emotions, or behavior) to participate in this trial.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research on virtual reality (VR) treatments for depression shows they are generally safe. Studies have found that most individuals handle these treatments well without major problems. This includes Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT), which is part of the current study. Previous research has not reported significant negative side effects. This suggests that both VR-RT and Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT) are likely safe for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for depression, which often involve medication or talk therapy, Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT) uses immersive virtual reality experiences combined with memory exercises to focus on positive and rewarding aspects of memories. This method is unique because it leverages the power of VR to engage users in a deeply interactive environment, potentially enhancing the emotional impact and retention of positive experiences. Researchers are excited about this technique because it offers a novel, non-invasive approach that could complement existing therapies and provide faster, more engaging relief for individuals struggling with depression.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for depression?

Research has shown that Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT), one of the treatments in this trial, effectively reduces symptoms of depression and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Studies have found that VR-RT significantly lessens depression and anxiety, improving overall functioning. This training helps individuals focus on enjoying positive experiences, which is crucial for those who struggle to feel happy. This approach has been found to enhance the enjoyment of positive moments, potentially leading to better mental health. Meanwhile, another treatment arm in this trial, Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT), involves neutral VR immersion and memory exercises, focusing on non-emotional stimuli. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Michelle G Craske, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

University of California, Los Angeles

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who feel very little pleasure or interest in activities (anhedonia), may be experiencing depression, and have trouble functioning daily. They must speak English fluently, not be on psychotropic drugs, and agree not to start other psychological treatments during the study. People with bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance use issues in the last six months, or those prone to motion sickness can't join.

Inclusion Criteria

Willingness to refrain from initiating other psychosocial treatments throughout the duration of the study

Your score on the SDS is 6 or higher.

Your depression score is 11 or higher, your PANAS-P score is 24 or lower, and your SDS score is 6 or higher.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had seizures or been diagnosed with epilepsy in the past year.

I am currently taking medication for my mental health.

Lifetime history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, mental retardation, or organic brain damage

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo 7 weeks of either Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT) or Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT), with weekly sessions

7 weeks

7 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in clinical symptoms and target measures

5 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT)
• Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT)

Trial Overview The study tests if Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT), which uses VR to help people enjoy positive experiences more deeply, is better than a control activity called Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT) at improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression over seven weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

7 sessions of positive VR immersion and positive memory specificity training exercises designed to savor rewarding features of immersion followed by memory specificity training exercises to savor rewarding features of autobiographical memory.

Group II: Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT) Active Control 1 Intervention

7 sessions of neutral VR immersion and neutral memory specificity training exercises, designed to train memory of objective non-emotional stimuli followed by memory exercises to neutral autobiographical memories.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Integrating virtual reality (VR) with existing evidence-based treatments for eating disorders, like cue exposure therapy, shows promise in improving treatment outcomes and reducing dropout rates, which currently affect about 24% of patients.

The paper emphasizes the need for a structured clinical protocol to support the implementation of VR-based interventions, aiming to enhance their acceptance and effectiveness in real-world settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bringing Virtual Reality From Clinical Trials to Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Eating Disorders: An Example Using Virtual Reality Cue Exposure Therapy. Brown, T., Nauman Vogel, E., Adler, S., et al.[2020]

The automated VR therapy (gameChange) significantly reduced avoidance and distress in everyday situations for patients with psychosis compared to usual care alone, with notable improvements observed at 6 weeks after treatment.

The therapy was particularly effective for patients with severe agoraphobic avoidance, and it worked by reducing anxious thoughts and protective behaviors, showing promise for increasing access to psychological therapy for those struggling to leave their homes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Automated virtual reality therapy to treat agoraphobic avoidance and distress in patients with psychosis (gameChange): a multicentre, parallel-group, single-blind, randomised, controlled trial in England with mediation and moderation analyses. Freeman, D., Lambe, S., Kabir, T., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07219875

Training Reward Responsiveness Through Virtual Reality Enhanced VR-Reward Training is a novel intervention aimed at enhancing savoring of positive experiences among individuals with depression and low positive ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7817899/

Virtual Reality Reward Training for Anhedonia: A Pilot Study Our results suggest that the VR protocol significantly reduced symptoms of anhedonia, depression, anxiety and impairments in functioning. These ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915325000423

Virtual Reality in the treatment of depression The results of their pilot study suggest that the VR protocol significantly reduces symptoms of anhedonia, depression, anxiety, and impairments in functioning.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-1-depression-4-2022-5d3d7

VR-Reward Training for Depression (VR-RT Trial) The automated VR therapy (gameChange) significantly reduced avoidance and distress in everyday situations for patients with psychosis compared to usual care ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05342077?term=Cullen&tnqh_x0026;intr=virtualreality&tnqh_x0026;rank=1/

Virtual Reality-Reward Training for Anhedonia (VR-RT) The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT) with an active control condition, Virtual Reality-Memory ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06178731

Virtual Reality Reward Training and Transcranial Magnetic ... Recent economic analysis suggests that rTMS can be more cost-effective than pharmacotherapy or ECT for treatment-resistant depression (Ontario Health, 2021).

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11515453/

Assessing the impact of immersive virtual reality technology ... This study aims to assess the effects of immersive VR-assisted training on patients with DPD. Methods This single-blind randomized controlled trial will ...