Using Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Enhance Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Identifying Areas of Clinical Adoption and Potential Obstacles.
Debra Boeldt, Elizabeth McMahon, Mimi McFaul...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31708821/Actively Recruiting
Led by Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica · Updated on 2025-04-30
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
Eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, affect how individuals relate to food and body image. Researchers are studying new treatments using virtual reality VR combined with artificial intelligence AI to provide personalized therapy systems. These advanced approaches aim to improve diagnosis and treatment effectiveness by monitoring severity, risks, and responses to therapy more accurately than traditional cognitive behavioral therapy CBT. The study includes four groups two intervention groups using VR and AI technologies tailored for Anorexia Nervosa Enhanced Body-Swap and Bulimia Nervosa Emotional Rescripting, and two control groups receiving standard CBT without VR or AI. The Anorexia treatment involves 12 bi-weekly VR sessions where participants embody virtual avatars with gradually adjusted body mass index. The Bulimia treatment includes assessment, evaluation with biosensors, and 9 VR sessions focused on emotional regulation. Control groups follow similar therapy schedules without VR or AI. Participants undergo baseline assessments and follow-up evaluations at 4, 8, and 12 weeks using various scales measuring eating disorder symptoms, body image, anxiety, emotional regulation, and food craving. The study uses questionnaires and biosensors to monitor progress and therapy effects. Total participation includes treatment sessions and multiple follow-up assessments to evaluate the long-term impact of the interventions.
CONDITIONS
AI and VR Devices for Eating Behavior Rehabilitation
F
Flavia marino
M
Maria Valeria Maiorana
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Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica
Lead Sponsor
Madre Teresa s.r.l
Collaborating Sponsor
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 session
Participants complete baseline assessments including anamnesis and therapeutic efficacy data collection before starting treatment.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 sessions
Participants complete evaluation sessions involving craving assessments and physiological data collection (for Bulimia Nervosa groups) or baseline data collection without VR (for control groups).
2 visits (in-person)
Duration - 12 bi-weekly sessions for Anorexia Nervosa or 9 sessions for Bulimia Nervosa
Participants undergo active treatment sessions. For Anorexia Nervosa, 12 bi-weekly sessions involve VR-enhanced virtual avatar embodiment or standard cognitive-behavioral therapy. For Bulimia Nervosa, 9 sessions focus on emotional regulation and craving management using VR or traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy.
12 sessions bi-weekly or 9 sessions depending on group assignment
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants attend follow-up visits at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment to assess long-term progress and treatment effects.
3 visits (in-person) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28558480/Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica
Lead Sponsor
Madre Teresa s.r.l
Collaborating Sponsor