Virtual Reality Reward Training for Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how virtual reality (VR) can help people with depression experience more positive emotions. It compares two VR experiences: Enhanced Virtual Reality-Reward Training (eVR-RT), which focuses on enjoying positive memories, and Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT), which enhances memory skills using neutral content. Participants will engage in one of these VR treatments for seven weeks. This trial suits individuals who struggle to enjoy positive experiences and feel that depression impacts their daily life. As a Phase 2 trial, the research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, allowing participants to contribute to developing new depression therapies.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking any current psychotropic medications (drugs that affect your mood, thoughts, or behavior) to participate in this trial.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that virtual reality (VR) treatments, such as Enhanced Virtual Reality-Reward Training (eVR-RT) and Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT), are generally safe for treating depression. Studies have found that these VR therapies can improve depression symptoms without causing serious side effects. Some research indicates that these therapies help reduce anxiety and support thinking and memory in participants.
No major reports of negative reactions to the VR sessions have emerged from these studies. Participants did not experience harmful effects from the VR technology itself. Virtual reality provides a controlled and safe setting, allowing participants to engage in therapy exercises without real-world risks.
Overall, current evidence suggests VR treatments are well-tolerated, making them a promising option for those interested in new ways to manage depression.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about Enhanced Virtual Reality-Reward Training (eVR-RT) for depression because it offers a novel approach by combining virtual reality with positive memory training. Unlike standard treatments like antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy, eVR-RT immerses participants in positive virtual environments, helping them savor rewarding experiences and strengthen positive autobiographical memories. This technique could provide a more engaging and potentially faster-acting alternative, targeting the emotional and memory aspects of depression in a unique way.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for depression?
This trial will compare two different virtual reality-based treatments for depression. Research has shown that Enhanced Virtual Reality-Reward Training (eVR-RT), one of the treatments in this trial, can help treat depression by making it easier for people to enjoy positive experiences. Studies have found that this VR method can lower symptoms of depression and stress by placing users in uplifting virtual settings, which may boost mood and mental health.
In contrast, Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT), another treatment option in this trial, aims to improve thinking skills and memory. It has also been shown to help reduce depression symptoms by offering a structured way to practice memory exercises. Both treatments use VR technology to support mental health, but eVR-RT focuses on increasing positive emotions, while VR-MT aims to enhance memory.13467Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals at least 18 years old with depression and low positive affect, who also experience impaired functioning. Participants will engage in a 7-week program using virtual reality to potentially improve mood and clinical symptoms.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo 13 sessions of either Enhanced Virtual Reality-Reward Training or Virtual Reality-Memory Training over 7 weeks
Post-Treatment Assessment
Assessment of clinical outcomes and target engagement one week after the last treatment session
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Enhanced Virtual Reality-Reward Training (eVR-RT)
- Virtual Reality-Memory Training (VR-MT)
Trial Overview
The study compares two types of virtual reality training: eVR-RT aims to enhance enjoyment of positive experiences, while VR-MT serves as an active control focusing on memory. The goal is to see if eVR-RT can better boost positive feelings among those with depression.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
13 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
13 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 non-personal stories
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
Citations
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 ...
Virtual Reality in the treatment of depression
Results from their randomized pilot study showed that the VR intervention was effective in reducing the intensity of depressive symptoms, as well as stress and ...
VR-Reward Training for Depression (VR-RT Trial)
This trial tests a new virtual reality therapy to help adults with depression enjoy positive experiences more. It targets those who struggle with feeling ...
Virtual Reality Reward Training for Anhedonia: A Pilot Study
Results suggest that positive experiences in VR may be a novel avenue for the treatment of anhedonia in depressed individuals.
Mobile Virtual Positive Experiences for Anhedonia
In this current study, the investigators aim to measure clinical outcomes using Virtual Reality-Reward Training (VR-RT). Detailed Description. Anhedonia is a ...
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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 ...
Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy to study effects ...
This study first aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR intervention on adolescent depression symptoms, and second, to determine the intervention's ...
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