Evaluating Virtual Reality Use in Anxiety Management in Adolescents

Evaluating the Potential of Virtual Reality Intervention in Anxiety Management Among Adolescent Patients: An Interventional Study

This study examines the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) protocols based on mindfulness as a nonpharmacological approach to reduce social anxiety among adolescents. Conducted as a non-randomized, controlled, multi-center trial, the research aims to provide evidence supporting the integration of VR mindfulness interventions into clinical practice to improve mental health and well-being among adolescents. The research focuses on adolescent patients aged 12 to 18 who present with anxiety-related symptoms. Each participant will undergo a single primary care consultation, during which they will experience a 15-20 minute VR session using the Healthy Mind® platform both before and after their clinical encounter. Participants will be screened with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale. To measure changes in anxiety levels, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) will be administered immediately before and after the VR sessions. This setup aims to assess the immediate impact of immersive VR on perceived anxiety in a real-world outpatient environment.

Inclusion criteria:

• Adolescents aged 12-18 receiving care at the outpatient clinics of study locations
• Patients with a GAD-7 score more than 5

Exclusion criteria:

• Patients younger than 12 years old or older than 19 years old
• Patients with a GAD-7 score lower than 5
• Patient of legal age but subject to legal protection measures or unable to express their consent
• Patients with dissociative psychiatric disorders
• Patients suffering from uncontrolled epilepsy
• Patients with visual or auditory disorders
• Patients suffering from claustrophobia or motion sickness
• Patients with face infections