Smartphone-based Virtual Reality Exposure and Standard Relaxation Training for Anxiety on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Mayo Clinic10 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to compare a smartphone-based virtual reality exposure with standard relaxation training for anxiety and associated symptoms (including pain) on an inpatient psychiatric unit, and whether patients find it usable and beneficial.

The study is open only to inpatients on a specific Mayo Clinic Rochester psychiatric hospital unit, the Mood Disorders Unit. Two different techniques for reducing anxiety will be tried. The first time patients report anxiety, they will be asked to listen to a 15 minute audio CD guiding them through relaxation strategies. The second time patients are anxious, they will be given a cardboard VR goggle set and will view 15 minutes of unguided VR. Before and after each session, they will fill out a short survey of anxiety and related symptoms (including pain ratings) and their reaction to each technique. They will be asked to try each technique at least once during your hospital stay.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Anxiety Pain

Interventions

iPhone Google Cardboard virtual reality meditation/relaxation appBEHAVIORAL

Virtual reality meditation/relaxation app that has 6 scenes of 360° visual imagery with soothing music. The patient can spend about 15 minutes exploring the app.

Standard relaxation trainingBEHAVIORAL

15 minute sessions of guided imagery using Mayo Clinic Patient Education CD-ROM "Relaxation for Your Mind and Body"

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 64 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: \- Hospitalized on inpatient Mayo Clinic Mood Disorders psychiatric unit (Generose 3W). Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to understand English. * Patients with primary substance use disorders, primary psychotic disorders, major neurocognitive disorders and active self-harm behaviors and seizure disorders

Locations (1)

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in anxiety

Assessment of anxiety with Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS); this 0-100 scale has anchors and guidance for patients to rate their anxiety, 100 is "highest anxiety/distress you have ever felt", 50 is "moderate anxiety/distress; uncomfortable, but can continue to function", and 0 is "no stress; totally relaxed".