About the Project
Researchers at the University of Oslo (UiO) and the Section for Treatment Research (SEB) have collaborated with researchers at the University of Oxford to test VR treatment using the gameChange program among Norwegian patients with psychotic disorders. GameChange was developed by Professor Daniel Freeman and his research group in collaboration with programmers, users, and clinicians. The program/application addresses various challenging situations common to individuals with psychotic disorders, such as taking the bus, visiting a doctor, or interacting with others in a café. All psychosis units at Oslo University Hospital are participating in the trial.
After testing gameChange, Norwegian versions of similar situations have been developed. In these programs, aspects of artificial intelligence will be incorporated, allowing for greater interaction between the user with VR goggles and the avatars (people) encountered in the VR universe. This will be tested in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), building on the results of the pilot study with the gameChange program.
Background
The motivation for the application/program is that many individuals with psychotic disorders experience reduced quality of life, inactivity, and social isolation, often due to withdrawal caused by anxiety symptoms. Alleviating these anxiety symptoms could be a key factor in improving both the functioning and quality of life for this group, necessitating new and more targeted cognitive treatment methods.
VR treatment can help individuals who frequently experience anxiety in such situations practice and master them in safe environments with a therapist. Subsequently, they can continue practicing these situations at home before confronting them in real life.
Alongside the ongoing feasibility study of gameChange, we are developing a Norwegian VR treatment in collaboration with the company Fornix and researchers at OsloMet.
Preliminary Results
In 2022, the inclusion for the pilot project VROslo/RecoVRy began, and by June 2023, 30 individuals with a psychotic disorder had tested out gameChange. The results are currently being analyzed. So far, the findings suggest that this could be a useful and meaningful form of treatment. A randomized study of the Norwegian versions is scheduled to commence in January 2024.
Project leaders
- Jan Ivar Røssberg
- June Ullevoldsæther Lystad
Participants
- Andreas Seierstad
- Christer Lunde Gjerstad
- Olivia Schjøtt-Pedersen
- Helen Bull
- Lars-Christian Berentzen
Collaborators
Oslo University Hospital
OsloMet
University of Oxford
Fornix