Virtual Reality for ADHD

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Sophia R Frontale, MPS

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 4

Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Disqualifiers: Autism, Bipolar, OCD, Substance abuse, others

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

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 2 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if the Meta Quest 3 VR Headset can help young adults with ADHD (a condition affecting focus and attention) concentrate better during homework and study sessions. Participants will test various VR setups, including one that provides feedback on focus levels, to identify which method enhances concentration the most. Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-25 diagnosed with ADHD who frequently struggle to stay focused on tasks. As a Phase 4 trial, this research explores how an already FDA-approved and effective treatment can benefit more patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What is the safety track record for the Meta Quest 3 VR Headset?

Research has shown that using virtual reality (VR) headsets, like the Meta Quest 3, is generally safe. To maintain safety, users should follow basic tips, such as taking breaks to prevent eye strain or dizziness. People with ADHD have used VR programs without major problems.

For those using the Virtual Reality + Feedback option, safety remains similar because it also uses the Meta Quest 3 headset. The feedback component monitors focus levels but does not introduce additional risks. The same safety tips apply, including following instructions and taking regular breaks.

Overall, the VR technology in these trials is considered safe when users adhere to the recommended guidelines. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?

Researchers are excited about these virtual reality treatments for ADHD because they offer a completely new way to engage and focus patients compared to traditional methods like medication or behavioral therapy. Unlike standard treatments that often rely on pills or counseling, these VR experiences immerse users in an interactive environment that could make focusing on tasks more engaging and enjoyable. The "Virtual Reality + Feedback" version adds an innovative element by giving immediate visual feedback on performance, potentially helping users self-regulate their attention in real-time. This approach might offer a non-pharmacological option that could be especially appealing for those who prefer to avoid medication.

What evidence suggests that this trial's virtual reality treatments could be effective for ADHD?

This trial will compare different virtual reality (VR) experiences for individuals with ADHD. Research has shown that VR can help people with ADHD pay better attention. One study found that VR improves focus by reducing distractions, which is crucial for those with ADHD. In this trial, participants in the "Virtual Reality" arm will immerse themselves in a virtual world resembling a cabin room. Another study found that using VR with feedback, such as visual signals, helps maintain user interest and further improves attention. Participants in the "Virtual Reality + Feedback" arm will experience this feedback through a stoplight system in the virtual environment. People generally view VR positively, suggesting they might enjoy using it for activities like studying. Overall, VR has effectively enhanced concentration and focus for individuals with ADHD. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Joshua M Langberg, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rutgers University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for emerging adults aged 18-25 with ADHD who want to improve their focus during homework and studying. Participants must be comfortable using a VR headset. Those with conditions that prevent the use of VR or have other severe psychiatric disorders are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must meet DSM-5 criteria for ADHD

Participants who meet criteria for ODD, anxiety, or depressive disorders on the diagnostic interview are not excluded

Participants must have an item mean score of >2.0 (often or very often) on the homework task specific version of the Adult Concentration Index (ACI)

Exclusion Criteria

The comorbid presence of autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, active substance abuse, and other psychiatric conditions whose treatment precludes participation in the study will be exclusionary

Students who do not meet criteria for ADHD

I am a student and not aged between 18 and 25.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline

Participants complete a 2-session baseline where they complete homework and study without using the VR headset

1 week

2 sessions

Treatment

Participants use the VR headset in their room/home or the library 10 times over two weeks for 1-hour sessions each time

2 weeks

10 sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for concentration, effort, and motivation after each VR session

2-4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Meta Quest 3 VR Headset

Trial Overview The study tests if a virtual reality program can help young adults with ADHD concentrate better on homework and studying tasks. It compares three groups: one uses just the VR headset, another uses it with focus feedback, and a control group without these tools.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Reality + Feedback Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this condition wear the virtual reality headset. They are emersed in a virtual world that looks like a cabin room with windows. They are sitting at a desk and can see their laptop screen as part of the virtual world. The program tracks their keyboard and mouse click data to assess how consistently they are working. A stoplight in the virtual environment is green when they are working consistently and turns red when the not.

Group II: Virtual Reality Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this condition wear the virtual reality headset. They are emersed in a virtual world that looks like a cabin room with windows. They are sitting at a desk and can see their laptop screen as part of the virtual world.

Group III: VR Passthrough Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this condition wear the same VR headset as participants in the in the other arms. However, they see directly through to their laptop and are not emersed in the virtual world.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Lead Sponsor

Trials

471

Recruited

81,700+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans

Collaborator

Trials

123

Recruited

42,400+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06454604

Virtual Reality Treatment for Emerging Adults With ADHD Behavioral : Meta Quest 3 VR Headset with noise cancelling headphones. Wearing the headset and headphones removes all outside audio and visual distractions.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12541263/

Virtual Reality–Based Assessment of Attention-Deficit ... Objective. This study examines the use of VR-based movement data to operationalize core ADHD symptoms (hyperactivity and inattention) and ...

3. pediatrics.jmir.org pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e66617

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Cognitive Control ... A recent study combining material and psychological rewards within a VR platform showed that this approach effectively improves attention- ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/virtual-reality-for-adhd-5af7d

Virtual Reality for ADHD · Info for Participants The Meta Quest 3 VR Headset treatment for ADHD is unique because it uses virtual reality to create realistic environments that help assess and improve attention ...

5. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07853890.2025.2548387

Acceptance of virtual reality to promote attention orientation ... Results suggest that, beyond individual characteristics and ADHD presence, children generally exhibited a positive attitude toward VR technology; the potential ...

6. meta.com meta.com/quest/safety-center/?srsltid=AfmBOoqttdU80JoDAkRF5E3YQsNjOUMw3pvCZhq0wWf01fS1kALSakWe

Meta Quest Safety Center: VR Safety Guidelines Find safety guidelines and information on all Meta Quest VR headsets on Meta Quest's Safety Center. Learn how to stay safe while using your Meta VR ...

7. meta.com meta.com/legal/quest/health-and-safety-warnings/quest-3/?srsltid=AfmBOooej0PvKRoD0Ot-nkuTB_w0wm1WH_2OAYmnaIpkd3osxcNEdsR7

Health And Safety Warnings | Meta Quest 3 AI glasses · Meta Quest · Apps and games · Explore Meta · Support ... Explore. Meta Quest overview · Meta Quest 3S · Meta Quest 3 · Compare devices · Play now.

8. meta.com meta.com/quest/safety-center/quest-3/?srsltid=AfmBOoqUjuoZRQVibcNuGSz7Jy9HOED3HLwK6GQaWqIfdVWZ_dOMCxfY

Meta Quest 3 Safety Hub: Manual & Guides Protecting yourself. To stay safe in VR, take time to review the health and safety information for your device.