Cognitive Rehabilitation With Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in Schizophrenia: a Pilot Randomized Waiting List Controlled Feasibility Study

Cognitive Rehabilitation With Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in Schizophrenia: a Pilot Randomized Waiting List Controlled Feasibility Study

Virtual reality-based rehabilitation has recently gained increasing attention in the field of cognitive rehabilitation, allowing patients to engage in simulated real-life scenarios within a safe and controlled setting. The feasibility and safety of immersive VR-based cognitive rehabilitation in individuals with schizophrenia is currently insufficiently explored. This study seeks to evaluate whether immersive immersive virtual reality-based rehabilitation can be safely and practically implemented in a community psychiatric setting. The study also aims to explore preliminary effects on negative symptoms, cognitive performance, and global functioning compared with treatment as usual in a waiting-list control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder (DSM-5-TR)
• Age 18-67 years
• Chronic phase of illness
• Able to provide a valid informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent substance use (less than six months)
• Concomitant intellectual disability or neurological disorders (e.g., neurodegenerative disorders, Parkison's disease, brain cancer) that may impair the ability to undergo cognitive rehabilitation
• With a recent (less than six weeks from the enrolling date) symptom exacerbation, hospitalization or change in pharmacotherapy
• Acute phase of illness