Can a VR vacation lift depression in dialysis patients?
NCT ID NCT05642364
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
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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
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Locations
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DaVita Garfield Kidney Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60624, United States
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DaVita Little Village Dialysis PD
Chicago, Illinois, 60608, United States
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UI Health - Dialysis Unit, EEI Suite 2028
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States