Could VR help sharpen your mind? new study tests brain training in virtual reality

NCT ID NCT06038955

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether a 4-week virtual reality (VR) training program could improve thinking skills in 62 people with depression, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Participants practiced daily-life tasks in VR, such as cooking and shopping, guided by a therapist. The goal was to see if this training helps with memory, attention, and planning better than a control VR activity.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

virtual reality-based cognitive remediation training

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new, engaging way to improve daily thinking skills like memory and planning for people with mood or psychotic disorders.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 62 participants. The training is short (4 weeks), and benefits may not last or apply to everyone. The primary outcome is a VR test, which may not reflect real-world improvements.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder Cognitive Dysfunction Depression depressive disorder major depressive 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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg hospital

    Frederiksberg, Capital Region of Copenhagen, 2000, Denmark