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Examining the Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Cognitive Remediation Program for People Living With Psychosis

Schizophrenia | Schizo Affective Disorder | Psychotic Disorders

Individuals living with a psychotic disorder often experience changes to their thinking and social skills that can lead to challenges with work, school, relationships and living independently. One intervention to target these areas is cognitive remediation therapy, which can be delivered in virtual reality to help apply the skills and strategies learned to day-to-day life. Over the past few years, our team has co-developed a cognitive remediation program in virtual reality with healthcare professionals and people with lived experiences of psychosis. The current trial tests the feasibility and efficacy of this cognitive remediation program in virtual reality at improving thinking skills, social skills, and daily life functioning.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    20 to 55

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of a psychosis-spectrum disorder
* Equal or between 20 to 55 years old
* Ability to read and speak English
* Be clinically stable, as defined as a total Positive And Negative Severity Symptoms score equal or between 30 - 95
* No changes to their medication dosage, starting a new medication, or stopping a medication within the past month before signing the consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological or medical disorders that may produce cognitive impairment
* Intellectual disability or a score equal or below 70 on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence.
* Any vision conditions that cannot be corrected with contact lenses or glasses that can fit in the virtual reality googles.
* Past history of seizures, fit, and epilepsy
* Any severe medical condition related to the eyes, ears, and balance
* History of substance use disorder within the last 3 months
* Past traumatic brain injury resulting in a loss of consciousness
* Do not own a smartphone

Study Location

Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Synthia Guimond, PhD

[email protected]
613-722-6521
Study Sponsored By
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT05973110