Extended Reality Behavioral Activation: An Intervention for Major Depressive Disorder

Extended Reality Behavioral Activation: An Intervention for Major Depressive Disorder

The primary aims of this study are to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of using an immersive extended reality (XR) headset to engage in behavioral activation (BA) for individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The secondary aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of using XR to enhance BA therapy in a clinical MDD population.

This is a treatment development trial. Participants will be randomized to receive either XR-enhanced behavioral activation or traditional behavioral activation. All groups will follow a brief-BA protocol developed for primary care settings over a four-session, three-week treatment period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient must meet DSM V criteria for MDD
• Patient must be at least 18 years of age
• Patient must be English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Substance Use Disorders in past year
• Any psychosis or bipolar disorder
• Any seizure in the last 6 months or untreated epilepsy
• Current nonsuicidal self-injury or parasuicidal behavior
• Current suicidal urges and intent
• Changing psychotherapy treatment within four months of study entry
• Changing psychotropic medication(s) within two months of study entry