A Virtual Reality Mindfulness Application for Aggression in Schizophrenia

Data have shown reductions in aggression by utilizing mindfulness therapy (Fix and Fix, 2013). However, none of these trials were performed in an inpatient setting with individuals with schizophrenia. Furthermore, the use of Virtual Reality (VR) mindfulness interventions (MBI) in schizophrenia has received little attention (Freeman, 2007) and MBI delivered via VR can represent realistic social environments in an engaging way that may trigger responses and emotions equivalent to the real world. We will use MBI VR (TRIPP™VR) to engage patients to practice mindfulness that may lead to a decrease in aggressive behaviors. Further, to better understand the underlying brain related mechanism for the effect of MBI VR, we will examine target engagement based on neuroimaging, which has not been explored yet, limiting the ability for treatment-target development. Our preliminary findings using MBI VR have shown a convergence of neural systems implicated in cognitive control and social emotional functions with mechanisms involved in emotion regulation, awareness, and emotion-based impulsive aggression. The dmPFC acts as a conduit between cognitive control areas and affect-triggering regions, playing a role in both generating and regulating emotion (Kober et al., 2008). Increased dmPFC activation during the expectation of ‘unknown’ and negative stimuli in MBI studies is in line with findings on emotion regulation. This suggests that neuronal activity of the dmPFC may be associated with effects of MBI and that the measurement of its activity may be used as an important target of MBI effects on impulsive aggression.

Study Length

Disorder/Condition

Study Title (brief)

Study Description (brief)

Data have shown reductions in aggression by utilizing mindfulness therapy (Fix and Fix, 2013). However, none of these trials were performed in an inpatient setting with individuals with schizophrenia. Furthermore, the use of Virtual Reality (VR) mindfulness interventions (MBI) in schizophrenia has received little attention (Freeman, 2007) and MBI delivered via VR can represent realistic social environments in an engaging way that may trigger responses and emotions equivalent to the real world. We will use MBI VR (TRIPP™VR) to engage patients to practice mindfulness that may lead to a decrease in aggressive behaviors.

Study Contact

Dr. Anzalee Khan at Anzalee.Khan@nki.rfmh.org and 646-766-5876; or Christopher Thomas at Christopher.Thomas@nki.rfmh.org.

Study Location