Virtual Reality Mindfulness for Schizophrenia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The study investigates whether a virtual reality-based mindfulness based intervention can reduce impulsive aggression in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The primary goal is to evaluate whether mindfulness delivered via VR (MBI-VR) improves emotion regulation and engages the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), a brain region involved in cognitive control and regulation of emotional responses. The study also examines whether these effects show a dose-related relationship.
Participants will be randomized to receive different doses of MBI-VR intervention or distraction tasks and will complete repeated mindfulness VR sessions. Brain activity will be measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an emotion regulation task, along with clinical assessments of impulsive aggression related symptoms.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jean-Pierre Lindenmayer, MD
Principal Investigator
Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research
Anzalee Khan, PhD
Principal Investigator
Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
Participants complete baseline clinical and behavioral assessments, including fMRI scans and plasma antipsychotic level measurements
Treatment
Participants receive up to 24 sessions of MBI VR or Distraction Techniques over a 6-week period, with neuroimaging and clinical assessments conducted at baseline, after 16 sessions, and after 24 sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of aggression, impulsivity, and quality of life
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mindfulness-Based Virtual Reality Intervention
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
The MBI VR is developed by TRIPP. Instead of naturalistic scenic images, the TRIPP MBI VR features intricate visually dynamic environments such as colorful surreal landscapes, light-based effects, floating shapes and immersive spatial soundscapes. These visuals encourage participants to focus on flowing designs, fostering a sense of engagement. The game-like quality of the virtual environment includes interactive elements where participants can manipulate shapes or respond to stimuli. This interactivity can enhance engagement, turning mindfulness meditation into a game-like playful and exploratory experience. The TRIPP MBI VR program offers guided sessions led by a virtual instructor, who provides verbal cues and instructions for the practice. This guidance includes breathing techniques, body awareness exercises, or instructions for focusing attention.
Tasks will include standard rehabilitative inpatient treatment as usual (TAU) which includes wellness and recovery sessions, coping skills, understanding medications, discharge preparation, and behavioral sessions and Distraction Techniques. Distraction Techniques that encompass activities designed to engage participants and divert their attention from discomfort or distressing thoughts. These techniques can include: 1. Listening to Music: Participants may listen to calming or enjoyable music, which can help reduce anxiety and enhance relaxation by promoting positive emotional states. 2. Viewing Images: Participants may look at carefully selected images or visuals, such as nature scenes, art, or other soothing imagery. This can create a sense of calm and provide a mental escape from their current situation. 3. Watching Videos: Participants may engage with short videos or clips that are designed to be engaging, aiming to promote distraction and engage their interest.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Manhattan Psychiatric Center
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
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.