Virtual Reality Avatar Therapy for Voices in Psychosis
Tests virtual reality avatar therapy for voices in adults with schizophrenia who have treatment-resistant hallucinations.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Cognitive and Metacognitive Evaluation in VR-Based Avatar Therapy for Psychosis
Key facts
- Where
- Barcelona, SpainSee the site
Where in Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu - Unitat de Recerca del Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de DéuBarcelona, SpainTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu
- Trial code
- NCT07091344
- Record updated
- 29 August 2025
- Original description
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between cognitive, metacognitive and social cognition variables in patients with psychosis undergoing VR-based Avatar Therapy for the treatment of auditory hallucinations. In addition to the primary intervention, participants will be assessed using validated tools for emotion recognition, attributional style, theory of mind, neurocognition, and metacognition. The study also explores the potential role of trauma as a predisposing factor. Assessments will be conducted at four time points: screening (week 0), baseline (week 12), intervention period (weeks 12-24), and post-therapy follow-up (week 24). By investigating these variables, this study seeks to better understand their impact on treatment outcomes and contribute to the development of personalized therapeutic approaches.Read full original descriptionShow less
Evaluation of Cognitive, Metacognitive, Social Cognition and Trauma Related-Variables in Patients With Psychosis Receiving VR-Based Avatar Therapy
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between cognitive, metacognitive and social cognition variables in patients with psychosis undergoing VR-based Avatar Therapy for the treatment of auditory hallucinations. In addition to the primary intervention, participants will be assessed using validated tools for emotion recognition, attributional style, theory of mind, neurocognition, and metacognition. The study also explores the potential role of trauma as a predisposing factor. Assessments will be conducted at four time points: screening (week 0), baseline (week 12), intervention period (weeks 12-24), and post-therapy follow-up (week 24). By investigating these variables, this study seeks to better understand their impact on treatment outcomes and contribute to the development of personalized therapeutic approaches.
**Inclusion Criteria:**; Adults aged 18 years or older; Diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder according to DSM-5 criteria; Experience of persistent auditory hallucinations for at least 3 months (PANSS hallucination score ≥ 3); Stable medication dosage for at least 4 weeks prior to recruitment; Fluent in the spoken language of the study site (Spanish); Able to provide informed consent; Regular psychiatric follow-up care; **Exclusion Criteria:**; Inability to identify a dominant voice for Avatar Therapy intervention; Intellectual disability based on medical history; Active substance abuse; Central nervous system injury or neurological disorders affecting cognitive performance; Severe visual impairment that precludes the use of VR technology; Aversion to virtual reality or prior experience of simulator sickness; Current suicidal ideation or risk; Lack of cooperation or inability to comply with study procedures.