Study of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy Added to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of virtual reality exposure therapy VRET for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD in inpatient adults aged 17 to 55. This randomized controlled trial compares three groups one receiving standard cognitive behavioral therapy CBT with VRET, another receiving CBT with VR cognitive training to improve cognitive flexibility, and a third group receiving standard CBT alone. The study aims to measure how well VRET works by assessing OCD symptoms and adherence to therapy assignments before and after treatment. The experimental group participates in a 6-week CBT program with five weekly 30-40 minute sessions using immersive VR glasses to experience scenarios in a virtual OCD house tailored to common OCD triggers like contamination, checking, and ordering. Therapists adjust difficulty levels and guide patients during sessions. The first control group receives the same CBT duration with VR games designed for cognitive training, while the second control group completes standard CBT without VR. All groups have regular group and individual psychotherapy sessions over the 6 weeks. Participants undergo repeated assessments using tools such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Y-BOCS, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory at baseline, during treatment, post-treatment, and 2 months after treatment ends. Adherence to exposure assignments and anxiety levels are also monitored. The study includes safety assessments for VR use and follows participants through a follow-up period to evaluate lasting effects.

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Inpatients