By InvitationNot Applicable

VR-relaxation for ECT-related Anxiety

Belgium20 participantsStarted 2026-03-12

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if there is an effect of Virtual Reality (VR) based-relaxation on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-related anxiety. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does VR based-relaxation have an effect on anxiety in patients receiving ECT as part of routine clinical care? * Does VR based-relaxation have an effect on stress symptoms and heart rate in patients receiving ECT as part of routine clinical care? * Does depression severity have an effect on the effectivity of VR-based relaxation Researchers will compare VR-relaxation to relaxation breathing exercises and no relaxation to see if VR-based relaxation has an effect on ECT-related anxiety.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 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: * Age 18-75 years * Being treated with ECT, having had at least two sessions at study start * Able to understand study procedure and sign informed consent * Speaking Dutch or French * DSM-5 diagnosis of a depressive disorder, for which ECT treatment has been initiated Exclusion Criteria: \- Contra-indications for VR: photosensitive epilepsy, severe travel sickness, vertigo, open wounds on the face

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

Change in anxiety levels (BAI) from pre- to post-intervention comparing VR-based relaxation, breathing exercises, and treatment as usual (TAU).

Timeframe: Pre-intervention to post-intervention. Post-intervention meaning within Minutes of ending relaxation intervention.

Change in anxiety levels (VAS-anxiety) from pre- to post-intervention comparing VR-based relaxation, breathing exercises, and treatment as usual (TAU).

Timeframe: pre- to post-intervention. Post-intervention meaning within Minutes of ending relaxation intervention.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07546526

SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2032-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More ECT-related Anxiety trials