Virtual Reality Added to Activity Therapy for Older Adults With Depression
Tests virtual reality headset activity therapy in adults aged 65 and older with depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Virtual Reality-Enhanced Behavioral Activation for Older Adults With Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Stanford, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Stanford UniversityStanford, United StatesTaking 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
- Stanford University
- Trial code
- NCT07188623
- Record updated
- 21 August 2026
- Original description
The primary aims of this study are to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of using an immersive virtual reality (VR) headset to engage in behavioral activation (BA) for older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The secondary aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of using VR to enhance BA therapy in a clinical MDD older adult population.Read full original descriptionShow less
VR-Enhanced BA for Older Adults With Major Depressive Disorder
The primary aims of this study are to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of using an immersive virtual reality (VR) headset to engage in behavioral activation (BA) for older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The secondary aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of using VR to enhance BA therapy in a clinical MDD older adult population.
Inclusion: Patient must meet DSM V criteria for MDD; Patient must be at least 65 years of age; Patient must be English speaking; Without cognitive impairment.
Exclusion: Changing psychotropic medication(s) within two months of study entry; Substance Use Disorders in past year; Any psychosis or bipolar I disorder; Any seizure in the last 6 months or untreated epilepsy; Current nonsuicidal self-injury or parasuicidal behavior; Current suicidal urges and intent; Changing psychotherapy treatment within three months of study entry.