Virtual reality could open doors to trauma therapy
NCT ID NCT06684977
First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether low-cost virtual reality (VR) tools, like 360° video and a new VR Photoscan process, can help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) engage more easily with trauma-focused therapy. Participants will receive standard therapy (TF-CBT) either alone or with the addition of a personalized VR environment designed to help them revisit and process traumatic memories. The goal is to see if this approach is feasible and acceptable to patients and therapists, potentially making VR a practical tool in routine mental health care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Low-cost virtual reality environments using 360° video or VR Photoscan, used alongside standard trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT)
- What this could lead to
- If this works, it could offer a low-cost, practical way to help people with PTSD engage more easily with trauma-focused therapy, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small feasibility study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The technology may not be acceptable or effective for everyone, and there are risks like motion sickness or discomfort.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PTSD - POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (Regional Trauma Network)
Belfast, Dundonald, BT16 1RH, United Kingdom
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Faith-Based therapy aims to heal trauma in young women
- Could play be a lifeline for children of war? a major study investigates
- Brain scans may guide psychedelics and magnetic pulses to quell suicidal thoughts
- Can a Phone-Based Self-Compassion program ease trauma for chinese immigrant women?
- Special forces veterans test Psychedelic-Device combo for PTSD and brain injury
- Can AI train therapists to treat PTSD? a new study tests Web-Based learning