Utilizing Embodied Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Development of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression in Virtual Reality (VR)

NCT ID: NCT07172113

Last Updated: 2025-09-15

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 60 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-03-07
• Study Completion Date: 2025-09-30

Brief Summary

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder characterized by pervasive low mood, diminished interest or pleasure, and a range of cognitive and physical symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 280 million individuals of all ages. In spite of the widespread occurrence and negative consequences linked to depression, fewer than 30% of individuals with common mental disorders sought assistance from mental health services in the previous year due to reasons such as, high-cost and stigma.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold-standard and evidence-based intervention for various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and its effectiveness has been widely proven. With the recent advancement in AI and other relevant technologies, the use of digital CBT has become possible. Indeed, a recent systematic review demonstrated a comparable effectiveness of traditional CBT and digital CBT, after controlling the moderators (e.g., intervention duration, and adherence). While digital CBT has achieved impressive performance, the majority of them utilized web-based or app-based platforms. Therefore, one of the disadvantages of such digital CBT is the lack of interaction between (digital) therapists and clients. Additionally, lower adherence to digital interventions was observed, indicating the need for briefer sessions, such as single-session integrated CBT (SSI-CBT), for digital interventions. SSI-CBT involves a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client, aimed at assisting the client in accomplishing their desired outcome within a single session. It is understood that additional support is accessible if required. A recent study using SSI-CBT demonstrated promising results of its effectiveness in reducing depression and anxiety, which can last for two months. To further generalize the application of digital interventions, a more interactive virtual therapist utilizing a brief CBT-based intervention approach is desired.

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of virtual CBT therapist for reducing depression symptoms, compared to a waitlist control group. Based on previous research, it is expected that a virtual CBT therapist can significantly reduce the depression symptoms at both post-intervention and one-month follow-up.

Conditions

Depression Scale Score

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Intervention group

The VR group will receive one session CBT via a VR headset. The session will last for around 45 mins. During the intervention, the participants can freely talk to the virtual therapist using natural language input.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

CBT + VR

Intervention Type: DEVICE

This CBT intervention is conducted in VR using Embodied AI technology. A virtual therapist will present in a virtual therapy room. Participants can freely talk to and interactive with the virtual therapist.

Control group

This group will serve as a waitlist control group. They will not receive the intervention until the study end.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

CBT + VR

This CBT intervention is conducted in VR using Embodied AI technology. A virtual therapist will present in a virtual therapy room. Participants can freely talk to and interactive with the virtual therapist.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Chinese young adult aged 18-40 years

2. Native Cantonese speaker

3. Presence of depressive symptoms, as indicated by a score of 10 or higher on the depression sub-scale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21).

4. Able and willing to comply with the requirements of the study protocol

Exclusion Criteria

1. A current or history of any psychiatric disorder(s) other than depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, such as bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorder

2. A current or history of any voice, speech, and language disorders

3. A current or history of non-suicidal self-injury or suicidality

4. Incompetent in giving informed consent for participation in the study

5. A current or history of significant motion sickness, active nausea, and vomiting or epilepsy.

6. A current or history of color vision deficiency

7. Subject who is preparing for pregnancy or pregnant

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 40 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Chinese University of Hong Kong

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Tim M. H. Li

Prof.

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Hong Kong

Facility Contacts

Dr. Li Man Ho

Role: primary

manholi@cuhk.edu.hk

+852 61150322

Other Identifiers

2024.061

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id