Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Inpatients
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Inpatients
National Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic
62 participants
Nov 15, 2022
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants are randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: a) exposure condition - the group with a standard CBT program enriched with exposure therapy in VR (VRET), b) control condition 1 - the group with a standard CBT program enriched with VR cognitive training aimed at cognitive flexibility or c) control condition 2 - standard CBT program without any additional VR intervention. The treatment effect will be evaluated using pre/post assessments, as well as monitoring adherence to exposure and response prevention assignments.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria2
- Diagnosis of OCD (F42) using currently valid DSM-V and ICD-11
- Fluent in Czech
Exclusion Criteria6
- Any other psychiatric, neurological and serious somatic illness
- Substance abuse
- Psychotropic medication (e.g. benzodiazepines) except antidepressants, antipsychotic medication and hypnotics.
- Contradictions to using a virtual reality (e.g., epilepsy, balance problems)
- Pregnancy
- Cardiostimulator and mental implants
Interventions
Virtual reality scenarios consists of exposures to OCD symptom provoking stimuli and response prevention (e.g. having dirty hands without washing them immediately) with the support of the therapist. The goal of VRET is sufficient reduction in anxiety and acceleration of progress in classical CBT.
Participants play series of various cognitive games previously developed in NIMH aimed at cognitive flexibility. Games are presented using immersive VR (HTC vive headset). The set includes for instance Go/No-go paradigm with a shooting range addressing inhibitory control, Flies - hit a fly game addressing set-shifting and Castle game addressing spatial memory and reversal learning.
Standart CBT program (performed in all groups). The program involves regular group and individual psychotherapy sessions 5 days per 6 weeks.
Locations(1)
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NCT07245134