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NCT Number: NCT07213596

Virtual Reality Treatment for Trauma Related to COVID-19 Infection

This clinical trial aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based exposure therapy for trauma symptoms related to COVID-19 infection. The intervention targets healthcare workers and individuals from the general population who experienced pandemic-related psychological distress. The study assesses psychological and physiological outcomes, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, HRV, and EEG biomarkers.

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Key information

Conditions

PTSD COVID-19 Coronaviridae Infections Coronavirus Infections Infections Lung Diseases Mental Disorders Nidovirales Infections PTSD Symptoms Pneumonia Pneumonia, Viral RNA Virus Infections Respiratory Tract Diseases Respiratory Tract Infections Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders Virus Diseases

Age range

18 year–64 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

The project involves a two-phase clinical study. In Phase 1, VR exposure therapy content is developed based on trauma management theory and tailored to specific participant groups (e.g., COVID-19 survivors, healthcare workers). In Phase 2, randomized controlled trials will compare VR treatment with standard therapy approaches (CBT, supportive therapy) across two populations:

Healthcare workers involved in the care of COVID-19 patients Members of the general public affected by social disaster-related psychological distress

Participants will undergo 5 weekly sessions of VR exposure therapy. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include standardized psychiatric scales (e.g., PHQ-9, PCL-5), HRV, and EEG measurements. The trial aims to validate the efficacy and safety of customized VR therapy protocols and identify relevant biomarkers for treatment prediction.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Age 18-64, healthy population who survived from COVID-19 (COVID survivors) or Healthcare Workers with PCL-5 ≥10, GAD-7/PHQ-9 ≥10

Exclusion criteria

Pregnancy, neurological disorders, severe medical conditions

Treatment and study plan

VR Exposure Therapy

Behavioral

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is a form of psychotherapy that uses immersive virtual environments to simulate trauma-related stimuli in a controlled and safe setting, allowing individuals to gradually confront and process distressing memories or triggers.

VRET is grounded in prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, a well-established treatment for PTSD and anxiety disorders.

In this study, VRET is delivered in 5 weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, using a customized VR system.

Sessions are tailored based on participant group (e.g., COVID-19 survivor vs. healthcare worker).

Each session includes psychoeducation, exposure to individualized trauma-related virtual scenes, and guided emotional processing.

The system incorporates eye-tracking, breathing exercises, and real-time subjective distress scaling (SUDs) to monitor engagement and safety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Behavioral

Face-to-face CBT with exposure elements, targeting trauma-related symptoms. Administered in 5 weekly sessions.

supportive psychotherapy

Behavioral

Therapist-led supportive therapy (TAU), focusing on empathy, validation, and emotional support without structured exposure.

Primary outcomes

Change in PTSD symptoms

Time frame: baseline, week 5, 3-mo follow-up

Change in PTSD symptoms (PCL-5/CAPS-5) at baseline, week 5, 3-mo follow-up

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Ji Sun Kim, MD, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

82-10-9933-1286

Min Jung Park, RN

CONTACT

[email protected]

+82-10-4115-2642

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Soonchunhyang University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Development of Virtual Reality Treatment Technology to Treat Trauma Related to COVID-19 Infection

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Oct 9, 2025
Registry last updated: Oct 9, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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