Virtual Reality Avatar Therapy for People Hearing Voices
Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Schizo Affective Disorder
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Psychosis focused on measuring Hearing Voices, Virtual Reality Avatar Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Consistent acoustic hallucinations, with the presence of voices for at least two months.
- Participants are competent to give informed consent, as determined by the referring physician or psychiatrist.
- German language proficiency as a native speaker or level B1 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current neurological disorder.
- Current substance use or withdrawal.
- Concomitant group psychotherapeutic intervention.
Sites / Locations
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik ZürichRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Virtual Reality Avatar Therapy (VRAT)
Assertiveness Training Program (ATP)
In the VRAT, patients with schizophrenia and acoustic hallucinations design a visual and auditory recreation (avatar) of the entity to which they attribute their hallucinations. Working with a therapist over the course of several sessions, participants change the avatar from controlling to benevolent.
The ATP is a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural treatment programme, which aims to increase self-confidence and social competence in patients with a psychiatric disorder.