Virtual reality talk therapy for anxiety in people with inflammatory bowel disease
Tests virtual reality therapy for anxiety in adults with inflammatory bowel disease.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: VR Therapies for IBD
Key facts
- Where
- Chicago and Los Angeles, United StatesSee the 2 sites
Where in United States
- University of ChicagoChicago, United StatesNo longer taking part
- Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterLos Angeles, United StatesNo longer taking part
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
- Brennan Spiegel
- Trial code
- NCT07590518
- Record updated
- 15 May 2026
- Original description
Through a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), the aim is to test the clinical impact and feasibility of a AI-enhanced Virtual Reality (VR) Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) program versus distraction VR among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anxiety. It is hypothesized that using VR/AI CBT may reduce anxiety and IBD symptoms, leading to improved overall physical, psychological, and social functioning when compared to distraction VR.Read full original descriptionShow less
AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Quality of Life in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicenter Pilot and Feasibility Study
Through a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), the aim is to test the clinical impact and feasibility of a AI-enhanced Virtual Reality (VR) Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) program versus distraction VR among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anxiety. It is hypothesized that using VR/AI CBT may reduce anxiety and IBD symptoms, leading to improved overall physical, psychological, and social functioning when compared to distraction VR.
Inclusion: Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures, VR therapy regimen, and availability for the duration of the study; Age of 18 years or older; Confirmed diagnosis of IBD with concurrent anxiety, defined as a GAD-7 score of ≥10; Ability to read and write in English (VR/AI CBT program is currently only available in English); Access to an internet-enabled device (android or iOS smartphone, or personal laptop or desktop computer) to complete surveys and has access to internet and email complete baseline and assessment surveys.
Exclusion: Currently engaged in psychotherapy (Patients who are taking medications for anxiety or have previously engaged in psychotherapy but are not currently in therapy will remain eligible); Have had an IBD related surgery (including perianal surgery) within the past 6 months or anticipated in the next 6 months; Have a condition that interferes with the safe use of VR usage, such as history of seizures, facial injuries precluding headset placement, significant visual or hearing impairment that impacts ability to see the VR images or follow audio instructions; Have cognitive impairments that would affect protocol participation; Anticipated to change their IBD inflammatory treatment during the study period.