Neuro-VR: Augmenting a Virtual Reality-based Therapy With Neurofeedback for Auditory Hallucinations

Launched by MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE CAPITAL REGION, DENMARK · Oct 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Neuro-VR trial is exploring a new way to help people with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations, which are often described as hearing voices that others do not. This study is testing a treatment that combines virtual reality (VR) therapy with a technique called neurofeedback, which uses brain activity to help improve mental health. Researchers want to find out if this combined approach is not only acceptable to participants but also more effective than VR therapy alone in reducing the severity of these hallucinations and improving overall daily functioning and quality of life.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be between 18 and 65 years old, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and have been experiencing auditory hallucinations for at least three months. They should also be able to speak Danish or English well enough to engage in the therapy. Those who join the study will attend eight therapy sessions and will be assessed before starting and again after 12 weeks. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to provide valuable insights into treating the challenging symptoms of schizophrenia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Ability to give informed consent
• • 2. Age of 18-65 years
• • 3. Diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (ICD-10 codes: F20, F22-23; F25-29)
• • 4. Symtoms of Auditory Verbal Hallucinations within at least the past 3 months (corresponding to SAPS score of 3 or more)
• • 5. Identification of at least one dominant voice
• • 6. No changes in antipsychotic medications four weeks prior to inclusion in the project
• • 7. No planned changes in antipsychotic medication in the 12 weeks following inclusion in the project
• • 8. A command of Danish or English sufficient to engage in therapy
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Rejecting informed consent
• • 2. A diagnosis of organic brain disease
• • 3. Intellectual disability (IQ ˂ 70)
• • 4. A primary diagnosis of substance dependence hindering engaging in therapy
• • 5. Hear voices in a language the therapist does not speak
• • 6. Inability to tolerate the therapy