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Virtual Reality-Enhanced Behavioral Activation for Older Adults With Depression

VR-Enhanced BA for Older Adults With Major Depressive Disorder

Who can join

Ages 65 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient must meet DSM V criteria for MDD
* Patient must be at least 65 years of age
* Patient must be English speaking
* Without cognitive impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Substance Use Disorders in past year
* Any psychosis or bipolar I disorder
* Any seizure in the last 6 months or untreated epilepsy
* Current nonsuicidal self-injury or parasuicidal behavior
* Current suicidal urges and intent
* Changing psychotherapy treatment within three months of study entry
* Changing psychotropic medication(s) within two months of study entry

About the study

The primary aims of this study are to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of using an immersive virtual reality (VR) headset to engage in behavioral activation (BA) for older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The secondary aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of using VR to enhance BA therapy in a clinical MDD older adult population.

What is being tested

• VR-Enhanced BA (behavioral)

Sponsor: Stanford University · Participants: 30 · Started: Sep 30, 2025

Contact the study team

• Margot Paul, PsyD · Phone: 510-556-0157
• Kim Bullock, MD · Phone: 650-714-1459

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07188623

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Depression
• Major Depressive Disorder

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.