Augmented Reality-Enhanced Exposure Therapy for PTSD
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new method to assist military personnel with PTSD by incorporating augmented reality (AR) into traditional exposure therapy. The goal is to determine if wearing AR goggles during therapy improves results and satisfaction compared to traditional therapy alone. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive traditional therapy with AR, and the other will receive traditional therapy only. This trial seeks U.S. military veterans or active-duty members with PTSD who do not have serious vision problems. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance PTSD treatment options.
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 doctor.
What prior data suggests that augmented reality exposure therapy is safe for PTSD treatment?
Research has shown that augmented reality exposure therapy (ARET) is a promising treatment for PTSD. Studies have found that virtual and augmented reality treatments can be as effective as other therapies and often outperform waiting for treatment. This indicates that ARET is generally well-tolerated.
In specific cases, such as the augmented reality 3MDR therapy, ongoing trials have not reported serious side effects. Patients have managed the treatment without major problems. This innovative technology helps patients gently confront real-world situations they avoid due to trauma.
Since this trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, researchers are still exploring how well ARET works. This phase focuses more on effectiveness than safety. However, the absence of major negative effects in similar studies provides some reassurance about its safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the use of Augmented Reality-Enhanced Exposure Therapy for PTSD because it adds an innovative twist to traditional exposure therapy by incorporating augmented reality (AR) goggles. This new approach immerses patients in controlled, virtual scenarios that closely mimic real-life situations, potentially enhancing the therapy’s effectiveness and engagement. Unlike standard treatments that rely solely on real-world exposure, the AR component allows for a customizable and safe environment for patients to confront their fears. This could lead to quicker symptom reduction and a more tailored therapy experience for nonresponders.
What evidence suggests that augmented reality exposure therapy could be effective for PTSD?
Research shows that augmented reality can enhance the effects of traditional exposure therapy for PTSD. In this trial, one group will receive Traditional Exposure Therapy (ET) alone, while another group will receive it with an Augmented Reality (AR) component. Studies indicate that virtual and augmented reality treatments are often as effective as other active therapies for PTSD. They have been proven more effective than no treatment, allowing patients to see improvements faster. Augmented reality creates lifelike scenarios, helping patients confront their fears in a safe environment. This approach can improve patient responses to therapy, potentially benefiting those who don't initially respond to traditional methods.12467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ron Acierno, PhD
Principal Investigator
Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for U.S. military personnel, both veterans and active-duty, over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with PTSD. They must have a confirmed diagnosis through a specific clinical interview (CAPS-5).Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 10 sessions of 60-minute exposure therapy, either with augmented reality (ARET) or traditional exposure therapy (ET), over 5-10 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in PTSD symptoms and social functioning after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Stepwise Augmented Reality (AR) Component with Traditional Exposure Treatment for Nonresponders
- Traditional Exposure Therapy (ET) Treatment
Trial Overview
The study compares traditional exposure therapy (ET) for PTSD with an advanced version that includes augmented reality (ARET + ET). Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups to see which method improves clinical and psychosocial functioning.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants in the experimental group will begin with 10 60-minute sessions of in person ARET treatment across 5-10 weeks (sessions to occur 2-3x/week, with weekends off). This will involve wearing augmented reality (AR) goggles during exposure therapy to AR scenarios. At session 10, those with PCL score reduction of at least 12 points and a PCL score of below 33 (accepted diagnostic cut-off), will end treatment. Those who do not meet these criteria will continue with 10 sessions of 60-minute PE treatment across 5-10 weeks (sessions to occur 2-3x/week, with weekends off). Participants in both groups will be advised to continue in vivo exposure to real life situations (grocery shopping, going out, going to gatherings, etc.) in-between the sessions.
The active comparator group receives traditional prolonged exposure therapy alone, delivered in 60 minute sessions over 10 days across 5-10 weeks (sessions to occur 2-3x/week, with weekends off). Participants in both groups will be advised to continue in vivo exposure to real life situations (grocery shopping, going out, going to gatherings, etc.) in-between the sessions.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Wayne State University
Lead Sponsor
United States Department of Defense
Collaborator
Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System
Collaborator
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Collaborator
Citations
Unreal that feels real: artificial intelligence-enhanced ...
AI-driven augmented reality exposure therapy (ARET) offers a unique opportunity for in vivo exposure therapy for PTSD by incorporating realistic ...
Review article Efficacy of immersive PTSD treatments: A ...
Virtual/Augmented reality exposure therapy (V/ARET) may enhance PTSD treatment. VRET outperformed waitlist control and matched other active psychotherapies.
NCT06740487 | Advanced Wireless Augmented Reality- ...
The goal of this trial is to test how augmented reality exposure therapy (ARET) may potentiate the effects of traditional exposure therapy administered to ...
4.
psychiatry-psychopharmacology.com
psychiatry-psychopharmacology.com/Content/files/sayilar/142/S160-S167.pdfAugmented Reality 3MDR Therapy for the Treatment of ...
This case study is part of an ongoing randomized control trial, the first of its kind, evaluating the effectiveness of augmented reality.
a randomized clinical trial of virtual reality and imaginal ...
We tested the efficacy of virtual reality exposure (VRE) or prolonged imaginal exposure (PE), augmented with D-cycloserine (DCS) for combat-related PTSD.
Advanced Wireless Augmented Reality-Enhanced ...
The goal of this trial is to test how augmented reality exposure therapy (ARET) may potentiate the effects of traditional exposure therapy ...
7.
research.wayne.edu
research.wayne.edu/news/unreal-that-feels-real-pioneering-technology-developed-at-wayne-state-to-treat-ptsd-uses-augmented-reality-and-artificial-intelligence-64943Unreal that feels real: Pioneering technology developed at ...
This technology specifically focuses on avoidances of the real-world environments the patients with PTSD are avoiding due to their trauma, and ...
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