Lochem

Researchers are investigating the effects of a new virtual reality tool called VRelax on stress and sleep disturbances in people with burn-out, mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorders. Stress plays a key role in these conditions and worsens mental health symptoms, while sleep problems further aggravate stress recovery. This study compares VRelax combined with usual treatment to usual treatment alone and to relaxation exercises to evaluate improvements in symptoms, social functioning, healthcare use, and societal costs. Participants will first complete a set of physical assessments and questionnaires at baseline (T0), including measurements of weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood tests. They will then use either the VRelax device or perform relaxation exercises for at least 20 minutes a day, five days a week, over six weeks, while wearing monitoring devices to track heart rate, skin conductance, and sleep patterns during the first and last week of treatment. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at six weeks (T1), 26 weeks (T2), and 52 weeks (T3) after the first assessment. Throughout the study, participants will complete various clinical questionnaires related to symptoms, disability, stress, sleep quality, and quality of life. Those using VRelax will also complete a usability questionnaire. The primary outcome is the change in symptom severity after six weeks. Participants will be monitored closely with physiological measurements and questionnaires to assess the short-, medium-, and long-term impact of the virtual reality relaxation compared to other stress-reduction methods.