A pilot study examining integrated virtual reality avatar CBT for treatment refractory auditory hallucinations in individuals with schizophrenia

The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of integrated virtual reality avatar CBT for improvements in persistent and treatment refractory auditory hallucinations in individuals with psychosis.

Study Length

Disorder/Condition

Inclusion Criteria

• Ages ≥ 18 to ≤ 60
• Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder diagnosis
• Inpatients in a psychiatric hospital 
• Auditory hallucinations for at least 3 months at least more than once per week with moderate amount of disturbance.
• No changes in antipsychotic treatment for 2 weeks prior to enrollment.
• Participants must have a score at Screening on the PANSS item P3 (Hallucinatory Behavior) of ≥ 4.

Study Title (brief)

Study Description (brief)

The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of integrated virtual reality avatar CBT for improvements in persistent and treatment refractory auditory hallucinations in individuals with psychosis.

Study Contact

Study coordinator: Ibrahim Bukhari, ibrahim.bukhari@omh.ny.gov, 646-766-5875; Principle Investigator: Jean-Pierre Lindenmayer, MD, jean-pierre.lindenmayer@nki.rfmh.org; Principle Investigator: Anzalee Khan, PhD, anzalee.khan@nki.rfmh.org

Exclusion Criteria

• Unable to identify a single dominant “voice” of their auditory hallucinations.
• Participants who answer “Yes” on the C-SSRS Suicidal Ideation or Behavior within the last 6 months of Screening.
• Unwilling or unable, in the opinion of the Investigator, to comply with study instructions.

Study Location