NCT06174285 Effect of Psychedelic VR-augmented Therapy on Patients With Clinical Depression
| NCT ID | NCT06174285 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Tartu |
| Condition | Depression |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 45 participants |
| Start Date | 2023-11-06 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-06-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 45 participants in total. It began in 2023-11-06 with a primary completion date of 2026-06-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Research has demonstrated that psychedelic compounds possess significant therapeutic potential for a variety of disorders, including depression. Despite these findings, the underlying mechanisms driving the therapeutic efficacy of psychedelics remain elusive. Furthermore, there exists a debate over the contribution of the subjective psychedelic experience to their therapeutic benefits. In this study, virtual reality (VR) is utilized as a tool to replicate the subjective experiences induced by psychedelics, aiming to explore their impact on depressive symptoms within a clinical sample. The primary objective of this research is to examine the influence of psychedelic-like phenomenology, as simulated through VR, on depressive symptoms. The study is structured into two distinct arms: the experimental condition features 'Psyrreal,' a VR experience designed to emulate psychedelic effects and the control condition which includes 'Routine Realms,' an analogous VR experience devoid of psychedelic elements. A third waiting list condition may be included, dependent on the availability of sufficient participants and resources. Additionally, the study seeks to identify and analyze various potential mediators that might underpin the therapeutic outcomes observed.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Persistent depressive symptoms observed during the initial screening and confirmed at baseline, as determined through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. * Provision of written informed consent by the participant. * Fluent in Estonian as a native language. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of significant impairments in vision, hearing, or balance. * Active suicidal ideation or current engagement in self-harm behaviors. Note: Individuals meeting this criterion will be directed to suitable crisis intervention services. * Established diagnosis of bipolar disorder. * Manifestation of psychotic symptoms. * History of schizophrenia, either personally or within two generations of the family lineage. * Ongoing diagnosis of epilepsy, dementia, or any other neurological condition that could interfere with the effective utilization of virtual reality (VR) technology. * Susceptibility to motion sickness.
Contact & Investigator
Jaan Aru, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University of Tartu
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06174285 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Depression. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06174285 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06174285 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at kaup.kristjan@gmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06174285 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Tallinn, Estonia.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06174285 clinical trial?
NCT06174285 is sponsored by University of Tartu. The principal investigator is Jaan Aru, PhD at University of Tartu. The trial plans to enroll 45 participants.
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