VR-CBT With Inuit in Quebec

Launched by DOUGLAS MENTAL HEALTH UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE · Nov 28, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a new therapy called virtual reality-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy (VR-CBT) can help Inuit individuals in Montreal improve their ability to manage emotions. The study will involve 40 participants who will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will receive ten weeks of VR-CBT, where they will work with a therapist in a clinic using virtual reality to practice emotion regulation skills. The other group will use a VR self-management program called Calm Place at home for relaxation over the same period. Researchers will measure how both groups feel about their emotions and well-being before and after the treatment.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be Inuit, aged between 14 and 60, and live in Montreal. They should also be comfortable using virtual reality technology and not have any serious mental health conditions or substance abuse issues. This trial is currently recruiting participants, so if you or someone you know fits the criteria and is interested in improving emotional well-being, this could be a great opportunity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Self-identify as Inuk
• • 2. Live in Montreal
• • 3. be between 14 to 60 years of age
• • 4. be proficient in English or French
• • 5. No history of cardiac conditions
• • 6. No history of epilepsy
• • 7. Can provide an emergency contact
• • 8. Tolerance of VR headset
• • 9. Tolerance of sensors
• • 10. Has no current suicidal or homicidal risk
• • 11. No history of psychosis or schizophrenia
• • 12. Current stable mood
• • 13. Is generally mentally stable
• • 14. Score less than 8 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test C
• • 15. Score less than 3 on the Drug Abuse Screen Test (10 item version)
• • 16. Not have had any change in psychoactive medications during 4 weeks preceding screening and inclusion to the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. does not identify as Inuk
• • 2. youth below the age of 14 and adults above the age of 60.
• • 3. self-reported history of psychosis or schizophrenia
• • 4. current substance abuse, as measured by two screens (AUDIT-C, DAST-10)
• • 5. other mental or physical condition that might preclude them from the trial (i.e., pre-existing heart conditions, convulsions, acute mental health risk).