Slide
Centre Interdisciplinaire
de Recherche et d’Innovation
en Cybersécurité et Société
de Recherche et d’Innovation
en Cybersécurité et Société
1.
Bogie, B. J. M.; Noël, C.; Gu, F.; Nadeau, S.; Shvetz, C.; Khan, H.; Rivard, M. -C.; Bouchard, S.; Lepage, M.; Guimond, S.
Using virtual reality to improve verbal episodic memory in schizophrenia: A proof-of-concept trial Journal Article
In: Schizophrenia Research: Cognition, vol. 36, 2024, ISSN: 22150013 (ISSN), (Publisher: Elsevier Inc.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, article, clinical article, clinical assessment, Cognitive remediation therapy, cybersickness, disease severity, dizziness, Ecological treatment, Episodic memory, exclusion VR criteria questionnaire, feasibility study, female, Hopkins verbal learning test, human, male, mini international neuropsychiatric interview, nausea, outcome assessment, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Proof of concept, questionnaire, randomized controlled trial, schizophrenia, scoring system, Semantic encoding, Semantics, task performance, training, Verbal memory, virtual reality, vr experience questionnaire
@article{bogie_using_2024,
title = {Using virtual reality to improve verbal episodic memory in schizophrenia: A proof-of-concept trial},
author = {B. J. M. Bogie and C. Noël and F. Gu and S. Nadeau and C. Shvetz and H. Khan and M. -C. Rivard and S. Bouchard and M. Lepage and S. Guimond},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85186986986&doi=10.1016%2fj.scog.2024.100305&partnerID=40&md5=a15c598b45b8f44a40b25fe5fd078a06},
doi = {10.1016/j.scog.2024.100305},
issn = {22150013 (ISSN)},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Schizophrenia Research: Cognition},
volume = {36},
publisher = {Elsevier Inc.},
abstract = {Background: Schizophrenia is associated with impairments in verbal episodic memory. Strategy for Semantic Association Memory (SESAME) training represents a promising cognitive remediation program to improve verbal episodic memory. Virtual reality (VR) may be a novel tool to increase the ecological validity and transfer of learned skills of traditional cognitive remediation programs. The present proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a VR-based cognitive remediation module inspired by SESAME principles to improve the use of verbal episodic memory strategies in schizophrenia. Methods: Thirty individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder completed this study. Participants were randomized to either a VR-based verbal episodic memory training condition inspired by SESAME principles (intervention group) or an active control condition (control group). In the training condition, a coach taught semantic encoding strategies (active rehearsal and semantic clustering) to help participants remember restaurant orders in VR. In the active control condition, participants completed visuospatial puzzles in VR. Attrition rate, participant experience ratings, and cybersickness questionnaires were used to assess feasibility and acceptability. Trial 1 of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess preliminary efficacy. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by a low attrition rate (5.88 %), and acceptability was demonstrated by limited cybersickness and high levels of enjoyment. Although the increase in the number of semantic clusters used following the module did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance in the intervention group, it demonstrated a notable trend with a medium effect size (t = 1.48},
note = {Publisher: Elsevier Inc.},
keywords = {adult, article, clinical article, clinical assessment, Cognitive remediation therapy, cybersickness, disease severity, dizziness, Ecological treatment, Episodic memory, exclusion VR criteria questionnaire, feasibility study, female, Hopkins verbal learning test, human, male, mini international neuropsychiatric interview, nausea, outcome assessment, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Proof of concept, questionnaire, randomized controlled trial, schizophrenia, scoring system, Semantic encoding, Semantics, task performance, training, Verbal memory, virtual reality, vr experience questionnaire},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Schizophrenia is associated with impairments in verbal episodic memory. Strategy for Semantic Association Memory (SESAME) training represents a promising cognitive remediation program to improve verbal episodic memory. Virtual reality (VR) may be a novel tool to increase the ecological validity and transfer of learned skills of traditional cognitive remediation programs. The present proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a VR-based cognitive remediation module inspired by SESAME principles to improve the use of verbal episodic memory strategies in schizophrenia. Methods: Thirty individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder completed this study. Participants were randomized to either a VR-based verbal episodic memory training condition inspired by SESAME principles (intervention group) or an active control condition (control group). In the training condition, a coach taught semantic encoding strategies (active rehearsal and semantic clustering) to help participants remember restaurant orders in VR. In the active control condition, participants completed visuospatial puzzles in VR. Attrition rate, participant experience ratings, and cybersickness questionnaires were used to assess feasibility and acceptability. Trial 1 of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess preliminary efficacy. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by a low attrition rate (5.88 %), and acceptability was demonstrated by limited cybersickness and high levels of enjoyment. Although the increase in the number of semantic clusters used following the module did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance in the intervention group, it demonstrated a notable trend with a medium effect size (t = 1.48
2.
Bogie, B. J. M.; Noël, C.; Gu, F.; Nadeau, S.; Shvetz, C.; Khan, H.; Rivard, M. -C.; Bouchard, S.; Lepage, M.; Guimond, S.
Using virtual reality to improve verbal episodic memory in schizophrenia: A proof-of-concept trial Journal Article
In: Schizophrenia Research: Cognition, vol. 36, 2024, ISSN: 22150013 (ISSN).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, article, clinical article, clinical assessment, Cognitive remediation therapy, cybersickness, disease severity, dizziness, Ecological treatment, Episodic memory, exclusion VR criteria questionnaire, feasibility study, female, Hopkins verbal learning test, human, male, mini international neuropsychiatric interview, nausea, outcome assessment, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Proof of concept, questionnaire, randomized controlled trial, schizophrenia, scoring system, Semantic encoding, Semantics, task performance, training, Verbal memory, virtual reality, vr experience questionnaire
@article{bogieUsingVirtualReality2024,
title = {Using virtual reality to improve verbal episodic memory in schizophrenia: A proof-of-concept trial},
author = {B. J. M. Bogie and C. Noël and F. Gu and S. Nadeau and C. Shvetz and H. Khan and M. -C. Rivard and S. Bouchard and M. Lepage and S. Guimond},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85186986986&doi=10.1016%2fj.scog.2024.100305&partnerID=40&md5=a15c598b45b8f44a40b25fe5fd078a06},
doi = {10.1016/j.scog.2024.100305},
issn = {22150013 (ISSN)},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Schizophrenia Research: Cognition},
volume = {36},
publisher = {Elsevier Inc.},
abstract = {Background: Schizophrenia is associated with impairments in verbal episodic memory. Strategy for Semantic Association Memory (SESAME) training represents a promising cognitive remediation program to improve verbal episodic memory. Virtual reality (VR) may be a novel tool to increase the ecological validity and transfer of learned skills of traditional cognitive remediation programs. The present proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a VR-based cognitive remediation module inspired by SESAME principles to improve the use of verbal episodic memory strategies in schizophrenia. Methods: Thirty individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder completed this study. Participants were randomized to either a VR-based verbal episodic memory training condition inspired by SESAME principles (intervention group) or an active control condition (control group). In the training condition, a coach taught semantic encoding strategies (active rehearsal and semantic clustering) to help participants remember restaurant orders in VR. In the active control condition, participants completed visuospatial puzzles in VR. Attrition rate, participant experience ratings, and cybersickness questionnaires were used to assess feasibility and acceptability. Trial 1 of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess preliminary efficacy. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by a low attrition rate (5.88 %), and acceptability was demonstrated by limited cybersickness and high levels of enjoyment. Although the increase in the number of semantic clusters used following the module did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance in the intervention group, it demonstrated a notable trend with a medium effect size (t = 1.48},
keywords = {adult, article, clinical article, clinical assessment, Cognitive remediation therapy, cybersickness, disease severity, dizziness, Ecological treatment, Episodic memory, exclusion VR criteria questionnaire, feasibility study, female, Hopkins verbal learning test, human, male, mini international neuropsychiatric interview, nausea, outcome assessment, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Proof of concept, questionnaire, randomized controlled trial, schizophrenia, scoring system, Semantic encoding, Semantics, task performance, training, Verbal memory, virtual reality, vr experience questionnaire},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Schizophrenia is associated with impairments in verbal episodic memory. Strategy for Semantic Association Memory (SESAME) training represents a promising cognitive remediation program to improve verbal episodic memory. Virtual reality (VR) may be a novel tool to increase the ecological validity and transfer of learned skills of traditional cognitive remediation programs. The present proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a VR-based cognitive remediation module inspired by SESAME principles to improve the use of verbal episodic memory strategies in schizophrenia. Methods: Thirty individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder completed this study. Participants were randomized to either a VR-based verbal episodic memory training condition inspired by SESAME principles (intervention group) or an active control condition (control group). In the training condition, a coach taught semantic encoding strategies (active rehearsal and semantic clustering) to help participants remember restaurant orders in VR. In the active control condition, participants completed visuospatial puzzles in VR. Attrition rate, participant experience ratings, and cybersickness questionnaires were used to assess feasibility and acceptability. Trial 1 of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess preliminary efficacy. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by a low attrition rate (5.88 %), and acceptability was demonstrated by limited cybersickness and high levels of enjoyment. Although the increase in the number of semantic clusters used following the module did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance in the intervention group, it demonstrated a notable trend with a medium effect size (t = 1.48
3.
Khazaal, Y.; Favrod, J.; Sort, A.; Borgeat, F.; Bouchard, S.
Editorial: Computers and games for mental health and well-being Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 9, no. APR, 2018, ISSN: 16640640 (ISSN), (Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.).
Links | BibTeX | Tags: augmented reality, Cognitive behavior therapy, Cognitive remediation, computer assisted therapy, controlled clinical trial (topic), editorial, human, information processing, Internet treatment, mental disease, mental health care, mobile application, Patient Compliance, prophylaxis, schizophrenia, Serious games, Smartphone app, telehealth, video game, virtual reality, wellbeing
@article{khazaal_editorial_2018,
title = {Editorial: Computers and games for mental health and well-being},
author = {Y. Khazaal and J. Favrod and A. Sort and F. Borgeat and S. Bouchard},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85045511603&doi=10.3389%2ffpsyt.2018.00141&partnerID=40&md5=51e50eac3fa902a4358d2bbf8562179c},
doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00141},
issn = {16640640 (ISSN)},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Psychiatry},
volume = {9},
number = {APR},
publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.},
note = {Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.},
keywords = {augmented reality, Cognitive behavior therapy, Cognitive remediation, computer assisted therapy, controlled clinical trial (topic), editorial, human, information processing, Internet treatment, mental disease, mental health care, mobile application, Patient Compliance, prophylaxis, schizophrenia, Serious games, Smartphone app, telehealth, video game, virtual reality, wellbeing},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
4.
Dellazizzo, L.; du Sert, O. Percie; Potvin, S.; Breton, R.; Pelletier, J. -F.; Renaud, P.; Dumais, A.
Avatar Therapy for persistent auditory verbal hallucinations: a case report of a peer research assistant on his path toward recovery Journal Article
In: Psychosis, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 213–219, 2018, ISSN: 17522439 (ISSN), (Publisher: Routledge).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: auditory verbal hallucinations, Avatar Therapy, Peer support, recovery, schizophrenia
@article{dellazizzo_avatar_2018,
title = {Avatar Therapy for persistent auditory verbal hallucinations: a case report of a peer research assistant on his path toward recovery},
author = {L. Dellazizzo and O. Percie du Sert and S. Potvin and R. Breton and J. -F. Pelletier and P. Renaud and A. Dumais},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85052078689&doi=10.1080%2f17522439.2018.1499799&partnerID=40&md5=082f633f8dbe11790c2f4e0f149905c2},
doi = {10.1080/17522439.2018.1499799},
issn = {17522439 (ISSN)},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Psychosis},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {213–219},
publisher = {Routledge},
abstract = {Peer support promotes the overall wellness of people with mental illness by establishing mutual partnerships throughout their different stages of recovery. In health research, investments in patient-oriented research have become prioritized. However, peer-contributed research remains relatively rare, especially in the study of psychosis. Our research team chose to include a peer research assistant in the elaboration and refinement of a novel personalized and patient-oriented psychotherapy for voice hearers, using virtual reality (Avatar Therapy (AT)). This paper details the case of a partnership between a mental health service user and clinical researchers by showcasing Mr X, the first to follow the therapy for his input and our peer support worker for future patients, in his journey toward recovery. Before AT, Mr X was unable to advance due to his voices. His participation was to initially gain from his personal expertise and invite his critique to improve AT. However, what he gained from AT was much more; his voices diminished by 80–90% and he was able to reduce his medication on four occasions. Also, he followed a university-level peer helper program and became employed. Mr X is an inspirational case of how AT may have a positive impact on one’s life. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.},
note = {Publisher: Routledge},
keywords = {auditory verbal hallucinations, Avatar Therapy, Peer support, recovery, schizophrenia},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Peer support promotes the overall wellness of people with mental illness by establishing mutual partnerships throughout their different stages of recovery. In health research, investments in patient-oriented research have become prioritized. However, peer-contributed research remains relatively rare, especially in the study of psychosis. Our research team chose to include a peer research assistant in the elaboration and refinement of a novel personalized and patient-oriented psychotherapy for voice hearers, using virtual reality (Avatar Therapy (AT)). This paper details the case of a partnership between a mental health service user and clinical researchers by showcasing Mr X, the first to follow the therapy for his input and our peer support worker for future patients, in his journey toward recovery. Before AT, Mr X was unable to advance due to his voices. His participation was to initially gain from his personal expertise and invite his critique to improve AT. However, what he gained from AT was much more; his voices diminished by 80–90% and he was able to reduce his medication on four occasions. Also, he followed a university-level peer helper program and became employed. Mr X is an inspirational case of how AT may have a positive impact on one’s life. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
5.
Sert, O. P.; Potvin, S.; Lipp, O.; Dellazizzo, L.; Laurelli, M.; Breton, R.; Lalonde, P.; Phraxayavong, K.; O'Connor, K.; Pelletier, J. -F.; Boukhalfi, T.; Renaud, P.; Dumais, A.
Virtual reality therapy for refractory auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia: A pilot clinical trial Journal Article
In: Schizophrenia Research, vol. 197, pp. 176–181, 2018, ISSN: 09209964, (Publisher: Elsevier B.V.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, article, auditory hallucination, auditory verbal hallucination, clinical article, clinical effectiveness, computer assisted therapy, Computer-Assisted, controlled study, Cross-Over Studies, crossover procedure, disease severity, distress syndrome, female, follow up, Follow-Up Studies, hallucination, Hallucinations, human, Humans, male, Middle Aged, neuroleptic agent, outcome assessment, Outcome Assessment (Health Care), phase 2 clinical trial, physiology, Pilot Projects, pilot study, priority journal, procedures, psychotherapy, quality of life, randomized controlled trial, schizophrenia, Speech Perception, symptom, Therapy, therapy delay, therapy effect, treatment duration, treatment response, virtual reality, virtual reality exposure therapy
@article{du_sert_virtual_2018,
title = {Virtual reality therapy for refractory auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia: A pilot clinical trial},
author = {O. P. Sert and S. Potvin and O. Lipp and L. Dellazizzo and M. Laurelli and R. Breton and P. Lalonde and K. Phraxayavong and K. O'Connor and J. -F. Pelletier and T. Boukhalfi and P. Renaud and A. Dumais},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042420594&doi=10.1016%2fj.schres.2018.02.031&partnerID=40&md5=fe98669ecfdfb69d05cc9ebb58fecdcc},
doi = {10.1016/j.schres.2018.02.031},
issn = {09209964},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Schizophrenia Research},
volume = {197},
pages = {176–181},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that poses significant challenges. While many pharmacological and psychosocial interventions are available, many treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients continue to suffer from persistent psychotic symptoms, notably auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), which are highly disabling. This unmet clinical need requires new innovative treatment options. Recently, a psychological therapy using computerized technology has shown large therapeutic effects on AVH severity by enabling patients to engage in a dialogue with a computerized representation of their voices. These very promising results have been extended by our team using immersive virtual reality (VR). Our study was a 7-week phase-II, randomized, partial cross-over trial. Nineteen schizophrenia patients with refractory AVH were recruited and randomly allocated to either VR-assisted therapy (VRT) or treatment-as-usual (TAU). The group allocated to TAU consisted of antipsychotic treatment and usual meetings with clinicians. The TAU group then received a delayed 7 weeks of VRT. A follow-up was ensured 3 months after the last VRT therapy session. Changes in psychiatric symptoms, before and after TAU or VRT, were assessed using a linear mixed-effects model. Our findings showed that VRT produced significant improvements in AVH severity, depressive symptoms and quality of life that lasted at the 3-month follow-up period. Consistent with previous research, our results suggest that VRT might be efficacious in reducing AVH related distress. The therapeutic effects of VRT on the distress associated with the voices were particularly prominent (d = 1.2). VRT is a highly novel and promising intervention for refractory AVH in schizophrenia. © 2018},
note = {Publisher: Elsevier B.V.},
keywords = {adult, article, auditory hallucination, auditory verbal hallucination, clinical article, clinical effectiveness, computer assisted therapy, Computer-Assisted, controlled study, Cross-Over Studies, crossover procedure, disease severity, distress syndrome, female, follow up, Follow-Up Studies, hallucination, Hallucinations, human, Humans, male, Middle Aged, neuroleptic agent, outcome assessment, Outcome Assessment (Health Care), phase 2 clinical trial, physiology, Pilot Projects, pilot study, priority journal, procedures, psychotherapy, quality of life, randomized controlled trial, schizophrenia, Speech Perception, symptom, Therapy, therapy delay, therapy effect, treatment duration, treatment response, virtual reality, virtual reality exposure therapy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that poses significant challenges. While many pharmacological and psychosocial interventions are available, many treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients continue to suffer from persistent psychotic symptoms, notably auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), which are highly disabling. This unmet clinical need requires new innovative treatment options. Recently, a psychological therapy using computerized technology has shown large therapeutic effects on AVH severity by enabling patients to engage in a dialogue with a computerized representation of their voices. These very promising results have been extended by our team using immersive virtual reality (VR). Our study was a 7-week phase-II, randomized, partial cross-over trial. Nineteen schizophrenia patients with refractory AVH were recruited and randomly allocated to either VR-assisted therapy (VRT) or treatment-as-usual (TAU). The group allocated to TAU consisted of antipsychotic treatment and usual meetings with clinicians. The TAU group then received a delayed 7 weeks of VRT. A follow-up was ensured 3 months after the last VRT therapy session. Changes in psychiatric symptoms, before and after TAU or VRT, were assessed using a linear mixed-effects model. Our findings showed that VRT produced significant improvements in AVH severity, depressive symptoms and quality of life that lasted at the 3-month follow-up period. Consistent with previous research, our results suggest that VRT might be efficacious in reducing AVH related distress. The therapeutic effects of VRT on the distress associated with the voices were particularly prominent (d = 1.2). VRT is a highly novel and promising intervention for refractory AVH in schizophrenia. © 2018
6.
Sert, O. P.; Potvin, S.; Lipp, O.; Dellazizzo, L.; Laurelli, M.; Breton, R.; Lalonde, P.; Phraxayavong, K.; O'Connor, K.; Pelletier, J. -F.; Boukhalfi, T.; Renaud, P.; Dumais, A.
Virtual reality therapy for refractory auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia: A pilot clinical trial Journal Article
In: Schizophrenia Research, vol. 197, pp. 176–181, 2018, ISSN: 09209964.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, article, auditory hallucination, auditory verbal hallucination, clinical article, clinical effectiveness, computer assisted therapy, Computer-Assisted, controlled study, Cross-Over Studies, crossover procedure, disease severity, distress syndrome, female, follow up, Follow-Up Studies, hallucination, Hallucinations, human, Humans, male, Middle Aged, neuroleptic agent, outcome assessment, Outcome Assessment (Health Care), phase 2 clinical trial, physiology, Pilot Projects, pilot study, priority journal, procedures, psychotherapy, quality of life, randomized controlled trial, schizophrenia, Speech Perception, symptom, Therapy, therapy delay, therapy effect, treatment duration, treatment response, virtual reality, virtual reality exposure therapy
@article{dusertVirtualRealityTherapy2018,
title = {Virtual reality therapy for refractory auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia: A pilot clinical trial},
author = {O. P. Sert and S. Potvin and O. Lipp and L. Dellazizzo and M. Laurelli and R. Breton and P. Lalonde and K. Phraxayavong and K. O'Connor and J. -F. Pelletier and T. Boukhalfi and P. Renaud and A. Dumais},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042420594&doi=10.1016%2fj.schres.2018.02.031&partnerID=40&md5=fe98669ecfdfb69d05cc9ebb58fecdcc},
doi = {10.1016/j.schres.2018.02.031},
issn = {09209964},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Schizophrenia Research},
volume = {197},
pages = {176–181},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that poses significant challenges. While many pharmacological and psychosocial interventions are available, many treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients continue to suffer from persistent psychotic symptoms, notably auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), which are highly disabling. This unmet clinical need requires new innovative treatment options. Recently, a psychological therapy using computerized technology has shown large therapeutic effects on AVH severity by enabling patients to engage in a dialogue with a computerized representation of their voices. These very promising results have been extended by our team using immersive virtual reality (VR). Our study was a 7-week phase-II, randomized, partial cross-over trial. Nineteen schizophrenia patients with refractory AVH were recruited and randomly allocated to either VR-assisted therapy (VRT) or treatment-as-usual (TAU). The group allocated to TAU consisted of antipsychotic treatment and usual meetings with clinicians. The TAU group then received a delayed 7 weeks of VRT. A follow-up was ensured 3 months after the last VRT therapy session. Changes in psychiatric symptoms, before and after TAU or VRT, were assessed using a linear mixed-effects model. Our findings showed that VRT produced significant improvements in AVH severity, depressive symptoms and quality of life that lasted at the 3-month follow-up period. Consistent with previous research, our results suggest that VRT might be efficacious in reducing AVH related distress. The therapeutic effects of VRT on the distress associated with the voices were particularly prominent (d = 1.2). VRT is a highly novel and promising intervention for refractory AVH in schizophrenia. © 2018},
keywords = {adult, article, auditory hallucination, auditory verbal hallucination, clinical article, clinical effectiveness, computer assisted therapy, Computer-Assisted, controlled study, Cross-Over Studies, crossover procedure, disease severity, distress syndrome, female, follow up, Follow-Up Studies, hallucination, Hallucinations, human, Humans, male, Middle Aged, neuroleptic agent, outcome assessment, Outcome Assessment (Health Care), phase 2 clinical trial, physiology, Pilot Projects, pilot study, priority journal, procedures, psychotherapy, quality of life, randomized controlled trial, schizophrenia, Speech Perception, symptom, Therapy, therapy delay, therapy effect, treatment duration, treatment response, virtual reality, virtual reality exposure therapy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that poses significant challenges. While many pharmacological and psychosocial interventions are available, many treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients continue to suffer from persistent psychotic symptoms, notably auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), which are highly disabling. This unmet clinical need requires new innovative treatment options. Recently, a psychological therapy using computerized technology has shown large therapeutic effects on AVH severity by enabling patients to engage in a dialogue with a computerized representation of their voices. These very promising results have been extended by our team using immersive virtual reality (VR). Our study was a 7-week phase-II, randomized, partial cross-over trial. Nineteen schizophrenia patients with refractory AVH were recruited and randomly allocated to either VR-assisted therapy (VRT) or treatment-as-usual (TAU). The group allocated to TAU consisted of antipsychotic treatment and usual meetings with clinicians. The TAU group then received a delayed 7 weeks of VRT. A follow-up was ensured 3 months after the last VRT therapy session. Changes in psychiatric symptoms, before and after TAU or VRT, were assessed using a linear mixed-effects model. Our findings showed that VRT produced significant improvements in AVH severity, depressive symptoms and quality of life that lasted at the 3-month follow-up period. Consistent with previous research, our results suggest that VRT might be efficacious in reducing AVH related distress. The therapeutic effects of VRT on the distress associated with the voices were particularly prominent (d = 1.2). VRT is a highly novel and promising intervention for refractory AVH in schizophrenia. © 2018
7.
Khazaal, Y.; Favrod, J.; Sort, A.; Borgeat, F.; Bouchard, S.
Editorial: Computers and games for mental health and well-being Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 9, no. APR, 2018, ISSN: 16640640 (ISSN).
Links | BibTeX | Tags: augmented reality, Cognitive behavior therapy, Cognitive remediation, computer assisted therapy, controlled clinical trial (topic), editorial, human, information processing, Internet treatment, mental disease, mental health care, mobile application, Patient Compliance, prophylaxis, schizophrenia, Serious games, Smartphone app, telehealth, video game, virtual reality, wellbeing
@article{khazaalEditorialComputersGames2018,
title = {Editorial: Computers and games for mental health and well-being},
author = {Y. Khazaal and J. Favrod and A. Sort and F. Borgeat and S. Bouchard},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85045511603&doi=10.3389%2ffpsyt.2018.00141&partnerID=40&md5=51e50eac3fa902a4358d2bbf8562179c},
doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00141},
issn = {16640640 (ISSN)},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Psychiatry},
volume = {9},
number = {APR},
publisher = {Frontiers Media S.A.},
keywords = {augmented reality, Cognitive behavior therapy, Cognitive remediation, computer assisted therapy, controlled clinical trial (topic), editorial, human, information processing, Internet treatment, mental disease, mental health care, mobile application, Patient Compliance, prophylaxis, schizophrenia, Serious games, Smartphone app, telehealth, video game, virtual reality, wellbeing},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
8.
Dellazizzo, L.; du Sert, O. Percie; Potvin, S.; Breton, R.; Pelletier, J. -F.; Renaud, P.; Dumais, A.
Avatar Therapy for persistent auditory verbal hallucinations: a case report of a peer research assistant on his path toward recovery Journal Article
In: Psychosis, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 213–219, 2018, ISSN: 17522439 (ISSN).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: auditory verbal hallucinations, Avatar Therapy, Peer support, recovery, schizophrenia
@article{dellazizzoAvatarTherapyPersistent2018,
title = {Avatar Therapy for persistent auditory verbal hallucinations: a case report of a peer research assistant on his path toward recovery},
author = {L. Dellazizzo and O. Percie du Sert and S. Potvin and R. Breton and J. -F. Pelletier and P. Renaud and A. Dumais},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85052078689&doi=10.1080%2f17522439.2018.1499799&partnerID=40&md5=082f633f8dbe11790c2f4e0f149905c2},
doi = {10.1080/17522439.2018.1499799},
issn = {17522439 (ISSN)},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Psychosis},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {213–219},
publisher = {Routledge},
abstract = {Peer support promotes the overall wellness of people with mental illness by establishing mutual partnerships throughout their different stages of recovery. In health research, investments in patient-oriented research have become prioritized. However, peer-contributed research remains relatively rare, especially in the study of psychosis. Our research team chose to include a peer research assistant in the elaboration and refinement of a novel personalized and patient-oriented psychotherapy for voice hearers, using virtual reality (Avatar Therapy (AT)). This paper details the case of a partnership between a mental health service user and clinical researchers by showcasing Mr X, the first to follow the therapy for his input and our peer support worker for future patients, in his journey toward recovery. Before AT, Mr X was unable to advance due to his voices. His participation was to initially gain from his personal expertise and invite his critique to improve AT. However, what he gained from AT was much more; his voices diminished by 80–90% and he was able to reduce his medication on four occasions. Also, he followed a university-level peer helper program and became employed. Mr X is an inspirational case of how AT may have a positive impact on one’s life. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.},
keywords = {auditory verbal hallucinations, Avatar Therapy, Peer support, recovery, schizophrenia},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Peer support promotes the overall wellness of people with mental illness by establishing mutual partnerships throughout their different stages of recovery. In health research, investments in patient-oriented research have become prioritized. However, peer-contributed research remains relatively rare, especially in the study of psychosis. Our research team chose to include a peer research assistant in the elaboration and refinement of a novel personalized and patient-oriented psychotherapy for voice hearers, using virtual reality (Avatar Therapy (AT)). This paper details the case of a partnership between a mental health service user and clinical researchers by showcasing Mr X, the first to follow the therapy for his input and our peer support worker for future patients, in his journey toward recovery. Before AT, Mr X was unable to advance due to his voices. His participation was to initially gain from his personal expertise and invite his critique to improve AT. However, what he gained from AT was much more; his voices diminished by 80–90% and he was able to reduce his medication on four occasions. Also, he followed a university-level peer helper program and became employed. Mr X is an inspirational case of how AT may have a positive impact on one’s life. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
9.
Bouchard, S.; Vallières, A.; Roy, M. -A.; Maziade, M.
Cognitive restructuring in the treatment of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia: A critical analysis Journal Article
In: Behavior Therapy, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 257–277, 1996, ISSN: 00057894 (ISSN), (Publisher: Elsevier Inc.).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult, article, clinical trial, cognitive therapy, delusion, female, hallucination, human, interview, major clinical study, male, meta analysis, methodology, reliability, schizophrenia, treatment outcome
@article{bouchard_cognitive_1996,
title = {Cognitive restructuring in the treatment of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia: A critical analysis},
author = {S. Bouchard and A. Vallières and M. -A. Roy and M. Maziade},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0029811687&doi=10.1016%2fS0005-7894%2896%2980017-7&partnerID=40&md5=fb9e671ec441d8a3b663bf48e7bfd0e8},
doi = {10.1016/S0005-7894(96)80017-7},
issn = {00057894 (ISSN)},
year = {1996},
date = {1996-01-01},
journal = {Behavior Therapy},
volume = {27},
number = {2},
pages = {257–277},
publisher = {Elsevier Inc.},
abstract = {This article reviews the 15 empirical studies that have used cognitive restructuring in the treatment of schizophrenia, more specifically for psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations). Three elements are considered before investigating its effectiveness: (a) if subjects are reliably diagnosed with schizophrenia with chronic course and severe impairment; (b) if psychotic symptoms are adequately measured; and (c) if designs are methodologically sound. Our investigation revealed that schizophrenia is not reliably diagnosed and severity is low to moderate. Assessment of psychotic symptoms is satisfactory, but assessment of generalization to other areas is limited. Only five studies possess reliable design and are performed with schizophrenia subjects. These studies suggest that cognitive restructuring is effective to reduce or eliminate hallucinations or delusions in schizophrenia patients.},
note = {Publisher: Elsevier Inc.},
keywords = {adult, article, clinical trial, cognitive therapy, delusion, female, hallucination, human, interview, major clinical study, male, meta analysis, methodology, reliability, schizophrenia, treatment outcome},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This article reviews the 15 empirical studies that have used cognitive restructuring in the treatment of schizophrenia, more specifically for psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations). Three elements are considered before investigating its effectiveness: (a) if subjects are reliably diagnosed with schizophrenia with chronic course and severe impairment; (b) if psychotic symptoms are adequately measured; and (c) if designs are methodologically sound. Our investigation revealed that schizophrenia is not reliably diagnosed and severity is low to moderate. Assessment of psychotic symptoms is satisfactory, but assessment of generalization to other areas is limited. Only five studies possess reliable design and are performed with schizophrenia subjects. These studies suggest that cognitive restructuring is effective to reduce or eliminate hallucinations or delusions in schizophrenia patients.
10.
Maziade, M.; Gingras, N.; Rodrigue, C.; Bouchard, S.; Cardinal, A.; Gauthier, B.; Tremblay, G.; Cote, S.; Fournier, C.; Boutin, P.; Hamel, M.; Roy, M. -A.; Martinez, M.; Merette, C.
In: British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 169, no. SEPT., pp. 361–370, 1996, ISSN: 00071250, (Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists).
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Adolescent, adult, article, Child, disease course, female, follow up, human, major clinical study, male, onset age, schizophrenia, symptomatology
@article{maziade_long-term_1996,
title = {Long-term stability of diagnosis and symptom dimensions in a systematic sample of patients with onset of schizophrenia in childhood and early adolescence. I: Nosology, sex and age of onset},
author = {M. Maziade and N. Gingras and C. Rodrigue and S. Bouchard and A. Cardinal and B. Gauthier and G. Tremblay and S. Cote and C. Fournier and P. Boutin and M. Hamel and M. -A. Roy and M. Martinez and C. Merette},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0029775550&doi=10.1192%2fbjp.169.3.361&partnerID=40&md5=e2e754c218abf739dd61b502b095024a},
doi = {10.1192/bjp.169.3.361},
issn = {00071250},
year = {1996},
date = {1996-01-01},
journal = {British Journal of Psychiatry},
volume = {169},
number = {SEPT.},
pages = {361–370},
publisher = {Royal College of Psychiatrists},
abstract = {Background. Little is known about the long-term outcome of schizophrenia that has its onset during childhood and early adolescence (early-onset schizophrenia, or EO-SZ). Whether or not EO-SZ is an aetiologically separate form of schizophrenia (SZ) is unresolved. Method. The study was a 14.8-year follow-up, using methods such as systematic sampling, evaluation of possible non-respondent bias, consensus best-estimate diagnoses (DSM-III-R) made independently in childhood and adulthood, measures of positive and negative dimensions, of non-psychotic behaviour disturbances (NPBD) and of developmental problems before the appearance of SZ. Results. There was high stability of EO-SZ (n = 40) diagnoses (mean onset at 14.0 years) until adulthood (mean age at follow-up 28.8 years) but a lower stability of positive and negative schizophrenic dimensions. There was a poor outcome of EO-SZ, a strong over-representation of males but few gender differences, and no effect of age of onset on clinical features and outcome. Conclusions. EO-SZ taken as a whole shows no qualitative differences to adult-onset SZ. However, a distinction through the onset of preschizophrenic developmental problems or NPBD might be a way to investigate heterogeneity within EO-SZ.},
note = {Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists},
keywords = {Adolescent, adult, article, Child, disease course, female, follow up, human, major clinical study, male, onset age, schizophrenia, symptomatology},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background. Little is known about the long-term outcome of schizophrenia that has its onset during childhood and early adolescence (early-onset schizophrenia, or EO-SZ). Whether or not EO-SZ is an aetiologically separate form of schizophrenia (SZ) is unresolved. Method. The study was a 14.8-year follow-up, using methods such as systematic sampling, evaluation of possible non-respondent bias, consensus best-estimate diagnoses (DSM-III-R) made independently in childhood and adulthood, measures of positive and negative dimensions, of non-psychotic behaviour disturbances (NPBD) and of developmental problems before the appearance of SZ. Results. There was high stability of EO-SZ (n = 40) diagnoses (mean onset at 14.0 years) until adulthood (mean age at follow-up 28.8 years) but a lower stability of positive and negative schizophrenic dimensions. There was a poor outcome of EO-SZ, a strong over-representation of males but few gender differences, and no effect of age of onset on clinical features and outcome. Conclusions. EO-SZ taken as a whole shows no qualitative differences to adult-onset SZ. However, a distinction through the onset of preschizophrenic developmental problems or NPBD might be a way to investigate heterogeneity within EO-SZ.