SNACSpatial Computing Device with AR/VR for Needle Phobia Exposure Therapy
This study uses a spatial computing device with AR/VR to provide exposure therapy for people with needle phobia. We will assess the treatment's acceptability, feasibility, and any adverse events.
Mixed reality (XR) Exposure Therapy
Treatment Study
Summary
Study start date: January 1, 2026
Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.This study explores how new technology, specifically virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), can help children and adolescents who are scared of needles and medical procedures involving blood. These fears can make it difficult for young people to get the care they need, sometimes requiring sedation to undergo necessary medical treatments. While there are some treatments available for adults with these phobias, there is limited information about how to help younger individuals. The study aims to see if using VRET with advanced spatial computing and augmented/virtual reality devices can reduce anxiety and make these treatments more engaging for children and teenagers. Participants in the study will use these advanced virtual reality devices to experience a controlled and safe simulation of situations involving needles and blood. This method allows them to face their fears in a gradual and manageable way, potentially reducing their anxiety over time. Researchers will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this therapy by observing how well participants engage with the treatment and any changes in their anxiety levels. The study will take place at LPCH and Stanford Hospital, focusing on ensuring the therapy is both safe and acceptable for young patients.
Protocol
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.20 patients to be enrolled
Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.Treatment Study
Eligibility
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.Any sex
Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.From 8 to 17 Years
Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.Healthy volunteers not allowed
If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients between the ages of 8-17 2. Patients who complete a patient survey via QR code at Stanford blood draw and/or primary care clinics 3. Patients screened with the APA severity Measure for Specific Phobia (blood, needles, or injections), and have an individual phobia score rated as moderate, severe, or extreme (as described) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Legal guardian not present to obtain consent 2. Adolescent with a significant neurological condition, or major developmental disability 3. Adolescent with active infection of the face or hand 4. A history of severe motion sickness 5. A history of seizures caused by flashing light 6. An impending surgery within the last 48 hours 7. Adolescents who wear glasses and cannot use contacts 8. Adolescents with myopia or astigmatism 9. Adolescents with physical disabilities that prevent them from using their hands 10. Patients with substance use disorder in past year 11. Patients screened with PHQ-9 and found to have a depression score greater than 15 and/or those with a score greater than 1 or above for questions related to suicidality 12. Patients screened with Child PTSD Symptom Scale Self-Report (CPSS-SR5) and found to have score greater than 31 (indicating likely PTSD diagnosis)
Study Plan
Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.One single intervention group is designated in this study
This study does not include a placebo group
Treatment Groups
Group I
ExperimentalStudy Objectives
Primary Objectives
Secondary Objectives
Study Centers
These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.This study has 1 location