VR-based Avatar Therapy for Treatment of Auditory Hallucinations

Summary

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AVATAR therapy, developed to address residual auditory hallucinations persisting despite medication in schizophrenia spectrum disorder. The intervention aims to reduce the intensity and frequency of these symptoms, as well as alleviate associated depressive and anxiety symptoms, using a virtual reality (VR)-assisted intervention developed for this purpose by the Danish company HEKA VR. The study will be a pre-post non-invasive, waiting list-controlled study, enrolling 30 patients from three clinical sites (Hungary, Spain, Poland).

The study centers around administering therapy based on VR over a 12-week period, comprising a total of 7 sessions. These sessions are conducted individually and last 50 minutes each. The psychotherapist leading the sessions adheres to a strict protocol defined by the method's developers.

During the intervention, VR technology is used to simulate the source of distressing auditory hallucinations. The therapist facilitates coping with these experiences externalized in this way through simulated conversations, supporting the development of more adaptive responses.

Patients undergo a comprehensive cross-sectional evaluation of their condition before and after the intervention, including assessments of symptom severity, quality of life, and their experience with the method. The intervention is conducted with constant monitoring for possible adverse effects.

Conditions

• Hallucinations, Auditory
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

AVATAR therapy

In the initial phase of treatment, patients collaborate with therapists to visualize the source of their auditory hallucinations. Therapists adjust their voice to match the hallucinations, prompting patients to recall key statements for future sessions. Subsequent sessions involve dialogues with a computerized avatar. Using the altered voice, therapists interact in real-time through the avatar, engaging patients in role-playing. They alternate between the avatar and supportive therapist roles to empower patients with positive affirmations and discussions. Sessions last approximately 50 minutes, utilizing Oculus Rift VR headsets and noise-cancelling headphones to enhance immersion. HEKA VR software adjusts avatar proximity, and patients have the option to record dialogues for home use and sharing. Therapists receive bi-weekly supervision from HEKA VR-trained colleagues. Participants continue their regular medication prescribed by their psychiatrists alongside this experimental therapy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Barcelona

  collaborator OTHER

• Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu

  collaborator OTHER

• Fundació Sant Joan de Déu

  collaborator OTHER

• Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Semmelweis University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-03-01

Primary Completion

2025-12-31

Completion

2025-12-31

Countries

• Hungary
• Poland
• Spain

Study Locations