Actively Recruiting
Reducing Itch With Hypnosis and Virtual Reality
Led by Universiteit Leiden · Updated on 2025-03-25
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
99 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
Universiteit Leiden
Lead Sponsor
A
Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Chronic itch is a disabling condition with currently limited treatment options. Virtual reality (VR) is a relatively new approach that provides immersion in another environment and has been shown to have a temporary itch mitigating potential. Hypnosis, which is a state of relaxation, has been successfully applied with more long-term treatment effects in the specific case of itch as a result of severe atopic dermatitis. However, hypnosis tends to depend on an individual's susceptibility, or ease, to come into a hypnotic state. A combination of VR and hypnosis (VRH) has been put forward since it may combine the longer lasting effects of hypnosis with VR making the hypnosis more accessible by facilitating imagination. Even though VRH is a promising avenue, it has never been investigated in the context of itch. In this randomized controlled trial, comparing a VRH treatment with a waiting list control group after 6 sessions and at follow-up, it is aimed to assess the effectiveness of VRH in reducing itch along with its psychological burden in adult individuals with therapy-resistant disabling itch.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Reducing Itch With Hypnosis and Virtual Reality
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 80 years
- Chronic pruritus of any cause lasting at least 1 year
- Have been evaluated by a physician for the itch
- Experience psychological and/or functional problems due to the itch despite standard medical treatment
- Able to speak and understand Dutch and complete questionnaires
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe psychiatric disorders unrelated to itch such as psychosis or severe clinical depression or anxiety disorder
- History of seizures
- History of severe migraine
- Severe susceptibility to motion sickness
- Balance problems
- Injury to face, head, or neck
- Visual or hearing impairments
- Presence of pacemaker, defibrillator, or other vital electronic implantable device
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Participation in another interventional study for itch
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Leiden University
Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, 2333 AK
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Antoinette I.M. van Laarhoven, PhD
CONTACT
J
Jard Mattens, MD, MSc
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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