Virtual Reality for OCD

(VR-TMS Trial)

Overseen By Mina Ansari

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

Disqualifiers: Seizure disorder, Dementia, Pregnancy, 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: Unknown

Duration: 6-8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how Virtual Reality (VR) can enhance treatment for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who are already receiving Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain areas. The trial aims to determine if VR can increase the effectiveness of TMS in alleviating OCD symptoms. All participants will undergo the VR intervention. The trial seeks adults recommended for TMS by a Yale Interventional Psychiatry Service physician for their OCD. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatment combinations that could enhance the OCD therapy experience.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that Virtual Reality is safe for use with TMS in treating OCD?

Research has shown that using Virtual Reality (VR) to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is generally safe and well-tolerated. A review of VR treatments found very few side effects, indicating it is a safe option for patients. Specifically, one study focused on VR for OCD and found it safe for users, with minimal negative effects. This strong safety record makes VR a promising tool for helping people with OCD. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Virtual Reality for OCD is unique because it offers an immersive experience that can help patients confront and manage their symptoms in a controlled environment. Unlike traditional treatments for OCD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, virtual reality provides a dynamic and interactive way to simulate real-life situations that trigger OCD symptoms, allowing for targeted exposure therapy. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it has the potential to make therapy more engaging and personalized, possibly leading to faster and more effective outcomes.

What evidence suggests that Virtual Reality is effective for OCD?

Studies have shown that Virtual Reality (VR) can effectively treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Research indicates that VR therapy, particularly when it involves facing fears in a safe and controlled manner, can help reduce OCD symptoms. One study found that VR in therapy helped patients confront their fears in a virtual environment. This method makes therapy more engaging and easier to access. Overall, evidence suggests VR is a promising tool for treating OCD. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Sina Nikayin, MD

Principal Investigator

Assistant Professor, Departement of Psychiatry, Yale University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with OCD who are deemed suitable for TMS treatment by a Yale psychiatrist. Participants must be willing to follow the study's procedures and requirements, understand English, and not have hearing or visual impairments that would affect VR use.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability and willingness, in the investigator's judgement, to comply with the study procedure and study requirements.

I have been approved for TMS by a Yale psychiatrist for my OCD.

Exclusion Criteria

Difficulty in understanding spoken or written English

Any implanted medical device, risk of interference with which by the VR device in the investigator's judgment can put patient at additional undue risk

Hearing or visual impairment to the degree that would interfere with ability to see or hear VR content

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment with Virtual Reality (VR) technology for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

6-8 weeks

Multiple sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality

Trial Overview The study examines how using Virtual Reality (VR) technology before Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can impact the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Treatment Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This single arm will include all participants of the study, who will all receive the intervention

Virtual Reality is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Virtual Reality Therapy for:

• Functional Dyspepsia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroparesis

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety disorders is shown to be safe and effective, often matching the efficacy of traditional in-person exposure therapy.

The increasing availability of affordable virtual reality systems and the development of self-guided programs could significantly enhance access to treatment for anxiety disorders, potentially addressing mental health disparities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maximizing the impact of virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. Anderson, PL., Molloy, A.[2021]

A single-session automated Virtual Reality exposure therapy (VRET) for fear of spiders demonstrated a significant reduction in phobia symptoms (effect size d = 1.26) in a study of 25 participants, with effects maintained at a six-month follow-up.

The intervention was found to be practical and tolerable, suggesting that automated VRET could serve as an effective self-help treatment for specific phobias in real-world settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamified, Automated Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Fear of Spiders: A Single-Subject Trial Under Simulated Real-World Conditions. Lindner, P., Miloff, A., Bergman, C., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2796058/

Virtual Reality for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder We believe that VR-based measures may be able to improve the assessment and, ultimately, treatment of OCD after an appropriately designed study.

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40392553/

Exposure Therapy in Mixed Reality for Obsessive ... This randomized clinical trial (RCT) included 2 outpatient treatment groups, MERP vs self-guided ERP (SERP) from March 15, 2022, to October 26, 2024.

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2834260

Exposure Therapy in Mixed Reality for Obsessive ... In this single-center randomized clinical trial including 36 patients, MERP did not significantly reduce OCD symptom severity compared with an active control ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221136492400037X

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the use and ... This systematic review synthesises the current knowledge regarding the use and effectiveness of XR in the assessment, treatment, and study of OCD.

5. bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-022-04402-3

Virtual reality exposure and response prevention in the ... The results of the study indicated that VR technology can be an effective treatment for OCD. The findings revealed that CBT using VRERP ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02713516

Virtual Reality System to Increase Access to Exposure ... Virtual Reality System to Increase Access to Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and OCD · Study Overview · Contacts and Locations · Participation Criteria · Study Plan.

7. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40211-025-00518-6

Examining the safety and side effects of exposure therapy ... VERP was safe and demonstrated few side effects, highlighting its potential as a well-tolerated and safe intervention for patients with OCD.