VR-relaxation for ECT-related Anxiety

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-based Relaxation on Electroconvulsive Therapy-related Anxiety

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.

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