Can virtual reality help quiet paranoia in schizophrenia?

NCT ID NCT04902066

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether adding virtual reality to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can better reduce persecutory thoughts in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders compared to traditional CBT alone. About 256 participants will receive either VR-assisted CBT or standard CBT, alongside their usual care. The main goal is to see if VR therapy leads to a greater decrease in paranoid ideation after three months of treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Cognitive behavioural virtual reality therapy (CBT augmented with virtual reality) compared with traditional cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis
What this could lead to: If effective, this could offer a new, engaging way to deliver therapy that reduces paranoid thoughts and improves daily functioning for people with schizophrenia.
What could go wrong: The trial is relatively early and the outcome depends on patient engagement and tolerability. VR may cause discomfort or not be more effective than standard therapy.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

delusional disorder Delusions Paranoid Disorders paranoid schizophrenia psychiatric disorder psychotic disorder Psychotic Disorders Schizophrenia schizotypal personality disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

IDEAS OF REFERENCE PARANOID DELUSION PARANOID IDEATION PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA PSYCHOSIS PARANOID PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS PSYCHOTIC PARANOIA PSYCHOTIC; DISORDER, DELUSIONAL SCHIZOPHRENIA AND RELATED DISORDERS SCHIZOPHRENIA PRODROMAL SCHIZOTYPAL DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE

Copenhagen, Hellerup, 2900, Denmark

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