Can a VR vacation lift depression in dialysis patients?

NCT ID NCT05642364

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a 5-week virtual reality program that teaches positive thinking skills can help reduce depression and improve quality of life in people on hemodialysis. Sixty-one adults with end-stage kidney disease and mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms will either receive the immersive VR program or a placebo VR with nature scenes. The main goals are to see if the approach is feasible and acceptable, and to gather early data on its effects on mood, treatment adherence, and hospitalizations.

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 positive psychological intervention (Joviality™)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, engaging way to improve emotional well-being and quality of life for people on dialysis.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early feasibility study with only 61 participants. It is designed to test whether the approach is acceptable and practical, not yet to prove it works. The control group also receives a VR experience, so any benefit may be small.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic kidney disease Depression depressive disorder end stage renal failure

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

DaVita Garfield Kidney Center

Chicago, Illinois, 60624, United States
DaVita Little Village Dialysis PD

Chicago, Illinois, 60608, United States
UI Health - Dialysis Unit, EEI Suite 2028

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

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