Virtual Reality for Anxiety
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how virtual reality (VR) videos can reduce anxiety in individuals about to undergo a specific treatment for essential tremor, a condition causing uncontrollable shaking. Participants will view one of two different VR videos to determine which one alleviates anxiety more effectively. The study will also examine concerns such as fear of tight spaces, patients' mental readiness, and worry about pain. It suits those approved for a special brain treatment called MRgFUS (Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound) because their tremor does not respond to medication and they can complete study questionnaires independently or with assistance. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative anxiety-reducing techniques before MRgFUS treatment.
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 focuses on using virtual reality to manage anxiety before a specific treatment.
What prior data suggests that this virtual reality method is safe for reducing anxiety?
Research shows that virtual reality (VR) safely reduces anxiety. Studies have found that VR use can significantly lower anxiety levels in hospitals. For instance, one study reported a significant drop in anxiety when people used VR, with strong evidence of improvement.
Another study demonstrated that VR not only ensures safety but also enhances emotional well-being for people in intensive care units. This means VR can improve emotional health without risk.
Overall, VR has proven effective in reducing anxiety and improving mood, making it a promising and safe option in various settings.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using virtual reality for treating anxiety because it offers an immersive, interactive experience that traditional therapies like medication and talk therapy don't provide. Unlike medication, which can take weeks to show effects, VR might offer immediate anxiety relief by engaging users in calming environments. Additionally, VR therapy is non-invasive and doesn't come with the side effects often associated with drugs, making it a promising alternative or complement to existing treatments.
What evidence suggests that virtual reality is effective for reducing anxiety?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) therapy can help reduce anxiety. In one study, 71% of patients reported feeling less anxious during or after a VR session. Another study found that VR sessions quickly improved mood and reduced anxiety. Additionally, VR therapy significantly lowered anxiety levels based on standard anxiety tests. This trial will compare the effects of two different VR videos on anxiety levels. These findings suggest that VR could be useful in easing anxiety, especially before medical procedures.12567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Dr. Jennifer Rabin, PhD, C.Psych
Principal Investigator
Sunnybrook
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with essential tremor that doesn't respond to medication and are about to undergo MRgFUS treatment. Participants should be experiencing anxiety related to their condition or the upcoming procedure.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-Treatment
Participants complete baseline anxiety assessments and watch a 6-minute VR video
Treatment
Participants undergo magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) procedure
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for adverse effects and provide feedback on the VR experience
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Virtual Reality
Trial Overview
The study tests whether watching one of two different VR videos before treatment can reduce pre-treatment anxiety in patients. It's a randomized study, meaning participants will be randomly assigned to watch one of the two videos.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Each participant will be randomized to watch Video number 2, 6-minute VR video associated with the study. Participants will be blinded to the type of video. The study will evaluate the impact of the sights and sounds in the video on anxiety levels.
Each participant will be randomized to watch Video number 1, 6-minute VR video associated with the study. Participants will be blinded to the type of video. The study will evaluate the impact of the sights and sounds in the video on anxiety levels.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in the treatment ...
The current findings suggest that VR therapy interventions have a positive effect on improving the anxiety state of patients with anxiety disorders.
The impact of virtual reality interventions on stress and ...
71 % of patients reported reduced anxiety during or after VR sessions. 60 % of patients reported that they looked forward to additional sessions.
Effectiveness of immersive VR therapy in reducing stress ...
Results: Results demonstrate significant rapid improvement in mood and reduction in anxiety following each session, along with significant reductions in anxiety ...
Comparative Efficacy of Virtual Reality–Assisted Cognitive ...
Besides improving therapy compliance and effectiveness, VR-CBT significantly alleviates anxiety symptoms. Studies show that repeated and ...
Virtual Reality Is Safe and Can Reduce In‐Hospital Anxiety ...
VR significantly reduced anxiety measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (p < 0.0001) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (p = 0.008).
A public health perspective on virtual reality interventions
Results: The VR-based intervention led to significant reductions across all three measured domains. Depression (η2 = 0.916), anxiety (η2 = 0.901) ...
Virtual Reality: Challenges and Perspectives in Mental Health
This technique is known as VRET, which is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety [6] and social phobia [4]. The ability to replicate stimuli ...
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