MBCT-vision VSS RCT

Launched by GUY'S AND ST THOMAS' NHS FOUNDATION TRUST · Aug 25, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The MBCT-vision VSS RCT trial is studying a condition called Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), which affects how people see things, causing symptoms like constant visual disturbances. In this trial, researchers want to see if an 8-week mindfulness program called the MBCT-vision can help improve these visual symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either join the mindfulness program or be placed on a wait-list for standard care. After the waiting period, those on the wait-list will also have the chance to participate in the mindfulness program. The main goal is to compare how severe the visual symptoms are between the two groups on a scale from 0 to 10.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must have a diagnosis of VSS made by a qualified eye or brain specialist. They should be between the ages of 18 and 80, and they must be able to understand and communicate in English. However, individuals with certain eye conditions or mental health issues, as well as those who have previously completed similar mindfulness programs, will not be eligible. Additionally, there will be a sub-study involving healthy individuals who are related to VSS participants, to help researchers understand more about the condition. Overall, this trial aims to explore a new treatment option for people with Visual Snow Syndrome while ensuring that participants have a supportive environment throughout the process.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • People with VSS according to the ICHD-3 criteria; previously diagnosed by a Neurologist, Ophthalmologist or Neuro-Ophthalmologist
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with co-morbid conditions affecting vision
• • Patients with a current severe depressive or psychotic episode as determined by the psychologist
• • Patients with severe difficulties in emotional regulation as determined by the psychologist
• • Patients unable to provide informed consent for participation
• • Patients with insufficient understanding of spoken English (due to need to participate in group discussions)
• • Patients who have previously completed MBCT or similar mindfulness interventions
• • Persons aged \<16 or \>80 years
• An exploratory sub-study on the change in metabolomics will recruit healthy controls, inclusion criteria:
• • Healthy Control Inclusion Criteria
• • Family or household member of a similar age (+/- 8years) to a participant with VSS recruited into the MBCT-vision VSS RCT study
• • Person with no symptoms of VSS
• • Person who self-declares as fit and well with no current medical conditions including anxiety or migraine
• • Healthy Control Exclusion Criteria
• • Person unable to provide informed consent
• • Person with other co-morbid medical or psychological conditions
• • Person aged \<16 or \>80years