ENGAGE: Virtual Reality-based Psychotherapy for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia

Launched by MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE CAPITAL REGION, DENMARK · May 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ENGAGE trial is exploring a new treatment option for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, specifically focusing on negative symptoms like lack of motivation or pleasure in everyday activities. Researchers want to see if using Virtual Reality (VR) for therapy can help improve these symptoms and enhance people's daily lives. The study compares this VR therapy to standard psychiatric care to check how well it works and if patients find it acceptable.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be aged 18 to 65 and have a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder with specific negative symptoms. Participants will receive either 10 sessions of the VR therapy or regular treatment, and everyone will go through assessments before starting and again after 12 weeks. This study is currently recruiting participants, so if you or someone you know is interested and meets the criteria, this could be a chance to explore a new approach to managing symptoms.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ICD-10 diagnosis of a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (F2x)
• • Negative symptom score of ≥3 on the SANS items avolition or anhedonia
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of organic brain disease
• • Intellectual disability (IQ \< 70)
• • Current diagnosis of drug dependency
• • Command of spoken Danish or English inadequate for engaging in therapy
• • Refusing to be informed on incidental findings on the MRI scans