VR-Enhanced BA for Older Adults With Major Depressive Disorder
Stanford University
Summary
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.
Description
This research study is looking for older adults with depression to participate in a research study on the use of virtual reality (VR)-enhanced behavioral activation therapy for depression. The purpose of the study is to learn more about using VR to enhance behavioral activation as a treatment for MDD. Behavioral activation is defined as identifying pleasant and/or mastery activities, scheduling them into your calendar, and completing the identified activities during the week. The identification of pleasant and mastery activities will begin in session with a therapist and will include tracking…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * 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 * Changing psychotropic medication(s) within two months of study entry
Interventions
- BehavioralVR-Enhanced BA
Participants will choose at least one "activity" per day to complete in the loaned HTC VIVE Flow Immersive Glasses extended reality over the course of the week. These activities are chosen from the headset and include video 360.
Location
- Stanford UniversityStanford, California