Virtual Reality Intervention for Suicide

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Disqualifiers: Active psychosis, Intellectual disability, Cybersickness risk

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: During hospitalization

26 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new Virtual Reality (VR) program called Practice Experiences for School Reintegration (PrESR) to assist hospitalized teens who have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The program provides realistic school and social experiences, allowing teens to practice coping skills in a safe environment with professional guidance. It is specifically designed for teens who identify as ethnic, racial, sex, or gender minorities. Teens currently hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or behaviors and who understand English are suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study presents a unique opportunity for teens to receive innovative support tailored to their needs.

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 this VR intervention is safe for adolescents?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) programs, such as the Practice Experiences for School Reintegration (PrESR) program, can assist teens with mental health issues. The PrESR program uses VR to allow hospitalized teens to practice skills in school-like settings. Studies have focused on ensuring this VR tool is safe and effective for teens in crisis, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

While specific safety data from trials is not yet available, VR technology is generally considered safe. It is widely used in areas like gaming and education, and most people tolerate it well. Additionally, trained professionals supervise the VR sessions in PrESR, providing extra safety.

In summary, the PrESR program aims to safely help teens practice important skills, with ongoing research to ensure it meets their needs. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Virtual Reality Intervention for Suicide because it combines traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology. Unlike standard care options that typically rely on CBT worksheets alone, this treatment adds a VR component to enhance CBT skills and practice. This immersive experience can make therapy more engaging and effective, helping individuals to better prepare for real-life situations, like returning to school, in a safe, controlled environment. By integrating VR, the treatment also includes a proactive safety planning feature, potentially offering more comprehensive support than traditional methods.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for suicide-related crises in adolescents?

Research shows that the Practice Experiences for School Reintegration (PrESR) program, which participants in this trial may receive, uses virtual reality to help teens in hospitals practice coping skills. This VR program creates realistic school and social situations, allowing teens to safely learn and practice these skills with a therapist's guidance. Studies of similar VR programs have shown that they can help reduce stress and anxiety, which is important for preventing suicidal thoughts. Feedback from both teens and professionals suggests that customizing the VR experience to fit individual needs can enhance its effectiveness. While more research is needed, these early findings suggest that PrESR could be a promising tool for helping hospitalized teens return to school life safely. Another arm of this trial involves an enhanced control group using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) worksheets. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Marisa Marraccini, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for inpatient adolescents hospitalized due to suicide-related crises. It's designed to help those who need practice with school reintegration skills, especially if they are from ethnic-racial, gender, or sexual minoritized groups. Specific eligibility criteria details were not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Approval of treating clinician

Ability to speak, read, and understand English sufficiently to complete study procedures

Adolescent assent (in English)

Exclusion Criteria

Evidence of intellectual disability

Risk for cybersickness (greater or equal to 50th percentile as measured on the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire)

I am currently experiencing symptoms of psychosis.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive standard treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy worksheets. Those in the experimental group also receive VR-enhanced CBT sessions.

During hospitalization

Inpatient visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with outcomes assessed 3 weeks following hospital discharge.

3 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Practice Experiences for School Reintegration (PrESR)

Trial Overview

The study tests a Virtual Reality (VR) program called PrESR that lets teens practice social skills in simulated school settings while still in the hospital. The VR has been tailored based on feedback from minoritized adolescents and will be compared against standard care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PrESR Intervention Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Worksheets; Virtual Reality (VR) Enhanced CBT Skill/Practice; Safety Planning

Group II: Enhanced Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Worksheets

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,588

Recruited

4,364,000+

MQ Mental Health Research

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

Citations

1.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40857420/

Practice Experiences for School Reintegration (PrESR)

Future research should examine PrESR for improving patient outcomes and preventing suicide. Keywords: Adolescence; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; ...

2.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23794925.2025.2512537?src=exp-la

Practice Experiences for School Reintegration (PrESR)

A virtual reality (VR) intervention designed to teach therapeutic skills to hospitalized adolescents and allowing them to practice using these skills in ...

3.

translationalsciencebenefits.wustl.edu

translationalsciencebenefits.wustl.edu/case-study/providing-practice-experiences-for-school-reintegration-presr-to-youth-hospitalized-for-suicide-related-crises/

Providing Practice Experiences for School Reintegration ...

The project's purpose is to develop, refine, and pilot test a virtual reality intervention, Practice Experiences for School Reintegration (PrESR) ...

4.

psycnet.apa.org

psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-87089-001

Practice experiences for school reintegration - APA PsycNet

This study applied qualitative methods and a user design approach to develop and iteratively refine a model for a virtual reality intervention designed to ...

5.

paloaltou.edu

paloaltou.edu/resources/translating-research-into-practice-blog/virtual-reality-with-adolescents-hospitalized-for-suicide-related-crises

Virtual Reality With Adolescents Hospitalized for Suicide- ...

Exploring a VR intervention designed to support adolescents hospitalized for suicide-related crises, focusing on school reintegration and therapeutic skill ...