Anxiety
Conditions
Keywords
Immersive virtual reality, Anxiety in adolescents
Brief summary
This study examines the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) protocols based on mindfulness as a nonpharmacological approach to reduce social anxiety among adolescents. Conducted as a non-randomized, controlled, multi-center trial, the research aims to provide evidence supporting the integration of VR mindfulness interventions into clinical practice to improve mental health and well-being among adolescents. The research focuses on adolescent patients aged 12 to 18 who present with anxiety-related symptoms. Each participant will undergo a single primary care consultation, during which they will experience a 15-20 minute VR session using the Healthy Mind® platform both before and after their clinical encounter. Participants will be screened with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale. To measure changes in anxiety levels, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) will be administered immediately before and after the VR sessions. This setup aims to assess the immediate impact of immersive VR on perceived anxiety in a real-world outpatient environment.
Interventions
OTHERVirtual reality
Participants will be instructed to engage in a virtual reality relaxation session lasting 20 minutes as part of their primary care visit. The intervention will use the Healthy Mind® virtual reality platform (developed in Paris, France) delivered through virtual reality headsets. Participants will be able to choose from a variety of immersive environments (e.g., beach, lake, mountain), each incorporating animated visuals, soothing audio, and guided breathing exercises. These VR scenarios are grounded in psychological relaxation principles such as cardiac coherence, hypnotic verbal accompaniment, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
OTHERStandard of care
Adolescent patients attending primary care visits do not receive any structured mental health support or targeted anxiety-reduction strategies as part of routine care prior to their appointments.
Sponsors
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adolescents aged 12-18 receiving care at the outpatient clinics of study locations * Patients with a GAD-7 score more than 5
Exclusion criteria
* Patients younger than 12 years old or older than 19 years old * Patients with a GAD-7 score lower than 5 * Patient of legal age but subject to legal protection measures or unable to express their consent * Patients with dissociative psychiatric disorders * Patients suffering from uncontrolled epilepsy * Patients with visual or auditory disorders * Patients suffering from claustrophobia or motion sickness * Patients with face infections
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adolescents (STAI-A) Score | Baseline and immediately post intervention | Minimum score: 20 (Least anxiety). Maximum score: 80 (Highest anxiety) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 Score | Baseline and immediately post-intervention | Minimum score: 0 (Minimal Anxiety), Maximum score: 21 (Severe anxiety) |
| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | Baseline and immediately post intervention | Minimum score: 0 (No anxiety), Maximum score: 10 (Highest anxiety) |
Outcome results
None listed