Avatar Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorder

(Avatar-CUD Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Disqualifiers: Neurological disorders, Severe physical illness, others

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 11

Duration: 8 weeks

32 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a proof-of-concept of a new Virtual Reality (VR) Avatar Intervention for Cannabis Use Disorders (CUD) in patients with psychotic disorders and/or mood disorders. The primary outcomes are reductions in cannabis use, cannabis use disorder severity, and increased quality of life.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Stéphane Potvin, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Montreal, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal

Alexandre Dumais, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Montreal, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal

Robert-Paul Juster

Principal Investigator

University of Montreal, Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 with severe mental health disorders like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depression who also have Cannabis Use Disorder as defined by the DSM-5. Participants must not be currently receiving treatment for CUD or detoxifying from cannabis and should not have neurological issues or unstable physical illnesses.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

Exclusion Criteria

Ongoing pharmacological or psychological treatment for CUD

I have a neurological disorder.

Ongoing detoxification for cannabis withdrawal

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo Avatar Intervention for Cannabis Use Disorder using virtual reality and avatars

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person, weekly sessions)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cannabis use, quality of life, and psychiatric symptoms

12 months

Assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Avatar Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a new Virtual Reality (VR) Avatar Intervention aimed at reducing cannabis use and its associated problems in patients with certain psychotic and mood disorders. The focus is on seeing if this intervention can lessen the severity of CUD and improve quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental: Avatar Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Avatar Intervention will take place over 8 consecutive weeks, with one session per week. Each session will last approximately 60 minutes. The goal of the intervention will be to help you reduce cravings related to your cannabis use with the use of virtual reality and avatars.

Avatar Intervention is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Avatar Intervention for:

• Cannabis Use Disorder in patients with psychotic disorders

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

6,400+