Virtual reality could teach troubled teens to tame emotions

NCT ID NCT07709468

First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a therapist-guided virtual reality (VR) program can help adolescents in psychiatric hospitals improve how they regulate their emotions. Participants, aged 11 to 18, are randomly assigned to either personalized VR exposure sessions or a VR relaxation control, both added to their usual treatment. The goal is to see if the VR exposure approach leads to better emotion control and fewer sensory sensitivities.

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 exposure therapy
What this could lead to
If effective, this VR approach could offer a new, engaging tool to help teens in psychiatric hospitals better manage their emotions and reduce anxiety.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study with a relatively small number of participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is also an add-on to usual care, making it hard to isolate its specific effect.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Emotional Regulation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.