Virtual Reality Treatment for Trauma Related to COVID-19 Infection
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: VR Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Supportive Psychotherapy.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: PTSD, PTSD Symptoms. Basic parameters: 18 years — 64 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Development of Virtual Reality Treatment Technology to Treat Trauma Related to COVID-19 Infection
Overview
This clinical trial aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based exposure therapy for trauma symptoms related to COVID-19 infection. The intervention targets healthcare workers and individuals from the general population who experienced pandemic-related psychological distress. The study assesses psychological and physiological outcomes, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, HRV, and EEG biomarkers.
Detailed description
The project involves a two-phase clinical study. In Phase 1, VR exposure therapy content is developed based on trauma management theory and tailored to specific participant groups (e.g., COVID-19 survivors, healthcare workers). In Phase 2, randomized controlled trials will compare VR treatment with standard therapy approaches (CBT, supportive therapy) across two populations:
Healthcare workers involved in the care of COVID-19 patients Members of the general public affected by social disaster-related psychological distress
Participants will undergo 5 weekly sessions of VR exposure therapy. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include standardized psychiatric scales (e.g., PHQ-9, PCL-5), HRV, and EEG measurements. The trial aims to validate the efficacy and safety of customized VR therapy protocols and identify relevant biomarkers for treatment prediction.
Interventions
- Behavioral VR Exposure Therapy
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is a form of psychotherapy that uses immersive virtual environments to simulate trauma-related stimuli in a controlled and safe setting, allowing individuals to gradually confront and process distressing memories or triggers. VRET is grounded in prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, a well-established treatment for PTSD and anxiety disorders. In this study, VRET is delivered in 5 weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, using a customized VR sy - Behavioral Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Face-to-face CBT with exposure elements, targeting trauma-related symptoms. Administered in 5 weekly sessions. - Behavioral Supportive Psychotherapy
Therapist-led supportive therapy (TAU), focusing on empathy, validation, and emotional support without structured exposure.
Primary outcome measures
- Change in PTSD symptoms [Time frame: baseline, week 5, 3-mo follow-up]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18-64, healthy population who survived from COVID-19 (COVID survivors) or Healthcare Workers with PCL-5 ≥10, GAD-7/PHQ-9 ≥10
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnancy, neurological disorders, severe medical conditions
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07213596 · SCHCA IRB 2022-08-032-033 · RS-2022-KH125605