Effect of Psychedelic VR-augmented Therapy on Patients With Clinical Depression

This randomised controlled trial (n=45) aims to evaluate the effect of psychedelic virtual reality-augmented therapy on patients with clinical depression.

The study, conducted by the University of Tartu, Estonia, seeks to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelic-like experiences simulated through virtual reality (VR) in alleviating depressive symptoms. The trial involves two arms: the experimental arm incorporates ‘Psyrreal,’ a VR experience emulating psychedelic effects, while the control arm uses ‘Routine Realms,’ a similar VR experience without psychedelic elements. The primary goal is to assess the impact of the VR-induced psychedelic-like experiences on depressive symptoms. Additionally, the study aims to identify potential mediators contributing to observed therapeutic outcomes.

Participants, aged 18 to 65, with persistent depressive symptoms, will undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to confirm eligibility. The trial utilises a randomised allocation model with double masking to assign participants to the experimental or control groups.

The study will measure changes in depressive symptoms using the Emotional State Questionnaire 2 depression subscale score at three time points: on the day of intervention, and two weeks and two months post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures include assessments of mood changes, alterations in consciousness, psychological insight, and acceptance-related beliefs. The trial will involve a total of 45 participants and is estimated to be completed by November 2024.

Topic Depression
Visit trial
Status Recruiting
Results Published No
Start date 06 November 2023
End date 30 November 2024
Phase Not Applicable
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 45
Sex All
Age 18- 65
Therapy Yes

Trial Details

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.

NCT Number NCT06174285

Data attribution

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