Virtual Reality Exposure for Public Speaking Anxiety (NCT06214039) | Clinical Trial Compass
TerminatedNot Applicable
Virtual Reality Exposure for Public Speaking Anxiety
Stopped: Not enough of the screened participants met the inclusion criteria. Despite extensive recruitment efforts we could not recruit enough participants to reach the calculated target sample of 86 for randomization.
Lithuania37 participantsStarted 2024-02-14
Plain-language summary
This study aims to examine the efficacy of exposure using virtual reality (VR) for public speaking anxiety in young adults in two treatment arms: a one-session VR exposure therapy with a 4-week online transition intervention versus a three-session VR exposure therapy with a 4-week online transition intervention. Previous studies have demonstrated that one-session therapy (OST) is comparable to prolonged exposure-based therapies in terms of effectively reducing public speaking anxiety. Moreover, VR offers many benefits compared to in-person exposure, namely the ability to produce anxiety-evoking stimuli without having to leave the therapist's room. However, OST VR exposure has not been directly compared to prolonged VR exposure and not for public speaking anxiety.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 30 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* aged 18-30 and pursuing higher education;
* experiencing a significant level of public speaking anxiety (60+ on PSAS);
* able to use a computer and have access to the internet for the duration of the study;
* able to understand, write and speak in Lithuanian;
* available to participate in one or three in-person intervention sessions and can devote the time to participate in a 4-week online program following the intervention sessions.
Exclusion Criteria:
* a history of seizures or a history of epilepsy;
* other significant medical conditions that would prevent them from participating in the program;
* high levels of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 rating of 15 and above and mentions of suicidal ideation) or other significant psychiatric conditions that would interfere with participation in the program;
* a tendency to have extreme seasickness reactions or a history of adverse physical reactions to virtual reality experiences or difficulty with or lack of stereoscopic vision;
* current involvement in other psychological interventions such as psychological counseling or psychotherapy;
* use of psychoactive drugs, unless stable for three months;
* current participation in other programs aimed at reducing public speaking anxiety.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Public Speaking Anxiety Scale (PSAS).
Timeframe: Pre-treatment, mid-treatment, immediately after the intervention, 3 and 12 months post-treatment