Virtual Reality Therapy for Antepartum Depression
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new method to assist pregnant individuals with depression using virtual reality (VR) therapy. It aims to determine if VR-enhanced therapy, combined with behavioral activation (activities to boost mood), is more effective than the usual hospital therapy. The trial targets those hospitalized for pregnancy-related issues who exhibit symptoms of depression. Participants will either receive standard therapy or try the new VR approach, known as Virtual Reality-enhanced Psychotherapy, to assess its effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health care for pregnant individuals.
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's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
What prior data suggests that this virtual reality therapy is safe for treating antepartum depression?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) therapy could help treat depression. Several studies have found that VR in therapy can lower anxiety and depression symptoms. For instance, one study found that VR combined with mindfulness and yoga reduced depression after childbirth. Another study reported positive results, including less anxiety and depression, with participants expressing satisfaction with the VR experience.
These studies suggest that VR therapy is generally well-received and effective in improving mental health. Major reports of serious side effects have not emerged, making it a potentially safe option for those considering joining a trial. However, as with any treatment, individual experiences may differ, and discussing any concerns with healthcare providers is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike traditional treatments for antepartum depression, which typically involve therapy sessions with social workers and psychiatrists, the new virtual reality-enhanced psychotherapy offers a unique approach. This treatment uses VR technology to create immersive experiences, allowing for self-guided sessions that can be more engaging and accessible. Additionally, it includes telemedicine-guided behavioral activation sessions, making it a flexible option that caters to the needs of expectant mothers. Researchers are excited because this method could provide faster and more personalized relief from symptoms, potentially transforming how antepartum depression is managed.
What evidence suggests that virtual reality-enhanced psychotherapy is effective for antepartum depression?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can be a helpful tool for treating depression, especially when traditional methods aren't possible. In this trial, participants will receive either standard therapy or Virtual Reality-enhanced Psychotherapy. For those experiencing depression during or after pregnancy, studies have found that VR-based therapies can help reduce symptoms by offering engaging and uplifting experiences. Specifically, VR combined with a type of therapy that encourages activities to improve mood has shown promise in effectively reducing depression. This approach also makes mental health care more accessible and removes some common barriers. While researchers continue to study VR for mental health, early results are promising for those unable to attend regular in-person therapy sessions.24567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Danielle M Panelli, MD MS
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for hospitalized pregnant individuals experiencing depression during pregnancy or postpartum. Participants should be open to virtual reality therapy and available for a 3-week treatment protocol.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a 3-week VR-BA protocol or standard therapy during hospitalization
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Virtual Reality-enhanced Psychotherapy
Trial Overview
The study tests if VR-enhanced behavioral activation (VR-BA) can help reduce depressive symptoms better than standard therapy, like social work consultations, in perinatal depression cases.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will receive the 3-week VR-BA psychotherapy. The VR-BA consists of 4 self-guided VR sessions per week and a weekly telemedicine guided BA session with a trained study team member via ZOOM (and Spanish interpreter, if required) lasting 30-50 minutes. This will be a total of 3 telemedicine-guided BA sessions and 12 self-guided VR sessions over the course of the study.
Participants will receive standard therapy during their antepartum hospitalization, which will include consultations with social workers and psychiatry physicians (if recommended by the social worker).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Home | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health ...
SAMHSA leads efforts to advance behavioral health across the U.S., offering resources for mental health, substance use, and community well-being.
Virtual reality enhanced mindfulness and yoga intervention ...
The postpartum period has witnessed increasing rates of depression and anxiety, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, ...
Evaluating virtual reality technology in psychotherapy
It also explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with VR technology in mental health treatment and introduces the CBT-CHAT Treatment Framework ...
Efficacy of Virtual Reality Program for Mental Health ...
Psychiatric disorders in pregnant women are particularly hazardous because psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression can lead to negative outcomes for ...
Efficacy of Virtual Reality Program for Mental Health ...
Psychiatric disorders in pregnant women are particularly hazardous because psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression can lead to negative outcomes for ...
Virtual Reality-enhanced Psychotherapy for Perinatal ...
Virtual reality (VR) has shown promise for expanding access, reducing barriers, and enhancing first-line depression treatment when paired with ...
Virtual reality for the treatment of perinatal mental health
The positive outcomes reported in these initial studies, such as reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as subjective satisfaction ...
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.