Virtual reality-based training for aggressive behaviors in individuals with severe mental illness: a feasibility and proof of concept study

This comparator study will explore the feasibility and efficacy of the novel TRIPP™ Virtual Reality (TRIPP VR) device, which presents to inpatients computer-generated images of soothing and colorful figures inducing a mindfulness state and its effect on impulsive aggressive behavior. Participants will be randomized to the Virtual Reality and Mobile app groups and receive 3 sessions of mindfulness training each week for a total of 18 sessions (up to 180 minutes).

Study Length:

Six weeks

Disorder/Condition:

Schizophrenia

Inclusion Criteria:

Male and female patients
18-65 years of age
Diagnosis: Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
Documented assault in the past year or a score of at least 5 on the Life History of Aggression (LHA)

Study Title (brief):

Virtual reality-based training for aggressive behaviors in individuals with severe mental illness: a feasibility and proof of concept study

Study Description (brief):

This comparator study will explore the feasibility and efficacy of the novel TRIPP™ Virtual Reality (TRIPP VR) device, which presents to inpatients computer-generated images of soothing and colorful figures inducing a mindfulness state and its effect on impulsive aggressive behavior. Participants will be randomized to the Virtual Reality and Mobile app groups and receive 3 sessions of mindfulness training each week for a total of 18 sessions (up to 180 minutes).

Study Contact:

Anzalee Khan, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator at 646-766-5876 or Anzalee.Khan@nki.rfmh.org [2]

Exclusion Criteria:

Non-English speaking
Substance abuse one month prior to baseline
Clinically unstable
History of traumatic brain disorder

Study Location:

Manhattan Psychiatric Center, Ward's Island Complex, NY