Slide
Centre Interdisciplinaire
de Recherche et d’Innovation
en Cybersécurité et Société
de Recherche et d’Innovation
en Cybersécurité et Société
1.
Delangle, M.; Moïse-Richard, A.; Leclercq, A. -L.; Labbé, D.; Bouchard, S.; Andrews, S.; Ménard, L.
Speaking face-to-face with a virtual avatar to reduce anxiety in students who stutter: Tool development and pilot study results Article de journal
Dans: Journal of Fluency Disorders, vol. 87, 2026, ISSN: 0094730X (ISSN).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: Adolescent, adult, Anxiety, Arousal, article, Avatar, avoidance behavior, Canada, Child, clinical article, cognitive behavioral therapy, complication, controlled study, distance learning, ecological validity, electrocardiogram, electrodermal response, exposure, female, Heart Rate, heart rate variability, human, Humans, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Likert scale, male, nonverbal communication, physiological stress, Pilot Projects, pilot study, procedures, psychology, questionnaire, randomized controlled trial, role playing, School-age children, Self Concept, Self Efficacy, self report, Signal processing, skin conductance, social anxiety, speech, student, Students, Stuttering, Therapy, treatment outcome, virtual reality, virtual reality exposure therapy
@article{delangle_speaking_2026,
title = {Speaking face-to-face with a virtual avatar to reduce anxiety in students who stutter: Tool development and pilot study results},
author = {M. Delangle and A. Moïse-Richard and A. -L. Leclercq and D. Labbé and S. Bouchard and S. Andrews and L. Ménard},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105028302364&doi=10.1016%2Fj.jfludis.2026.106194&partnerID=40&md5=af0d246f9187ee19796f36456887400b},
doi = {10.1016/j.jfludis.2026.106194},
issn = {0094730X (ISSN)},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Fluency Disorders},
volume = {87},
abstract = {Purpose Speaking in class is challenging for students who stutter. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure in virtual reality (VR) emerges as a promising intervention for treating speaking anxiety in pediatric populations. This pilot study tested if real-time avatar-based VR can elicit anxiety responses while remaining acceptable to youth who stutter. Method Twelve students who stutter (aged 9–18) were randomly assigned to a single training session conducted either (1) in VR with a realistic avatar controlled live by their SLP, or (2) in role-play with their SLP, before facing a real actor. We assessed system acceptability, anxiety levels and perceived self-efficacy. Results The VR system was well accepted and elicited physiological arousal comparable to real-life interactions. Although participants reported experiencing less anxiety during VR, skin conductance level showed higher arousal; suggesting a divergence between the subjective report and physiological response. Finally, one training session (either in VR or with the SLP) did not produce gains in self-efficacy or decrease in anxiety related to the final real-actor conversation. Conclusion This study demonstrates evidence that the potential use of immersive VR could represent an acceptable and viable complementary strategy for SLP treatment, that could control exposure parameters while evoking physiological responses similar to real-life contexts. The differences between subjective and physiological measures suggest that VR is inducing anxiety responses differently than it was perceived. Further research could investigate the use of VR as anxiety interventions for students who stutter and should be explored across multi-session studies to understand their therapeutic effect. © 2026 The Authors.},
keywords = {Adolescent, adult, Anxiety, Arousal, article, Avatar, avoidance behavior, Canada, Child, clinical article, cognitive behavioral therapy, complication, controlled study, distance learning, ecological validity, electrocardiogram, electrodermal response, exposure, female, Heart Rate, heart rate variability, human, Humans, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Likert scale, male, nonverbal communication, physiological stress, Pilot Projects, pilot study, procedures, psychology, questionnaire, randomized controlled trial, role playing, School-age children, Self Concept, Self Efficacy, self report, Signal processing, skin conductance, social anxiety, speech, student, Students, Stuttering, Therapy, treatment outcome, virtual reality, virtual reality exposure therapy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Purpose Speaking in class is challenging for students who stutter. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure in virtual reality (VR) emerges as a promising intervention for treating speaking anxiety in pediatric populations. This pilot study tested if real-time avatar-based VR can elicit anxiety responses while remaining acceptable to youth who stutter. Method Twelve students who stutter (aged 9–18) were randomly assigned to a single training session conducted either (1) in VR with a realistic avatar controlled live by their SLP, or (2) in role-play with their SLP, before facing a real actor. We assessed system acceptability, anxiety levels and perceived self-efficacy. Results The VR system was well accepted and elicited physiological arousal comparable to real-life interactions. Although participants reported experiencing less anxiety during VR, skin conductance level showed higher arousal; suggesting a divergence between the subjective report and physiological response. Finally, one training session (either in VR or with the SLP) did not produce gains in self-efficacy or decrease in anxiety related to the final real-actor conversation. Conclusion This study demonstrates evidence that the potential use of immersive VR could represent an acceptable and viable complementary strategy for SLP treatment, that could control exposure parameters while evoking physiological responses similar to real-life contexts. The differences between subjective and physiological measures suggest that VR is inducing anxiety responses differently than it was perceived. Further research could investigate the use of VR as anxiety interventions for students who stutter and should be explored across multi-session studies to understand their therapeutic effect. © 2026 The Authors.
2.
Alessandra, G.; Beatrice, D. M.; Sara, C.; Roberta, M.; Martina, V.; Patrycja, K.; Maurizio, B.; Luca, B.; Adelaide, D. V. Laura; Stéphane, B.
Dans: British Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 31, no 1, 2026, ISSN: 1359107X (ISSN).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: adult, controlled study, female, Heart Rate, human, Humans, hypertension, Immersive virtual reality, mental stress, Middle Aged, Narration, pathophysiology, physiology, Pilot Projects, pilot study, procedures, Psychological, psychology, Pulmonary, pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, randomized controlled trial, rehabilitation, relaxation, Relaxation Therapy, relaxation training, Stress, Therapy, verbal communication, virtual reality
@article{alessandra_preselected_2026,
title = {Preselected and preferred immersive virtual reality versus narrative alone to induce post-stress relaxation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A pilot study on perceived stress and heart rate},
author = {G. Alessandra and D. M. Beatrice and C. Sara and M. Roberta and V. Martina and K. Patrycja and B. Maurizio and B. Luca and D. V. Laura Adelaide and B. Stéphane},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105029595132&doi=10.1111%2Fbjhp.70059&partnerID=40&md5=b86f0151066a7923d8854913cbd54318},
doi = {10.1111/bjhp.70059},
issn = {1359107X (ISSN)},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-01},
journal = {British Journal of Health Psychology},
volume = {31},
number = {1},
abstract = {Objectives: Several studies have shown the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (IVR)-based relaxation techniques in alleviating stress within the general population. However, few data are available on patients, or on the effectiveness of different scenarios in inducing relaxation. This pilot study aims to compare the effectiveness of three relaxation techniques—preselected IVR (IVR-PS), preferred IVR (i.e. chosen by the participant from different alternatives—IVR-PR), and narrative alone (CTR)—in reducing physiological and psychological stress in 16 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) female patients (N = 16, average age: 46 ± 10.66 years; average education: 13.31 ± 3.8 years; mean duration of illness: 8.56 ± 5.24 years) following an acute stress. Methods: Patients performed a mental stress test followed by three different relaxation sessions presented in a randomized order on three separate occasions. Self-perceived stress, level of relaxation, and heart rate (HR) were monitored during the sessions. Participants' ratings of their experiences were also collected. Results: The results indicated that the three relaxation methods were equally effective in reducing perceived stress induced by acute stress and in lowering HR. However, greater cognitive activation was reported in the two IVR conditions compared with the narrative condition. Conclusions: This is the first study to show evidence of the impact of IVR on a rare population. Despite the lack of significant differences between the two IVR and narrative-alone conditions in physiological and subjective relaxation, more than half of the participants expressed a subjective preference for the virtual experience, especially for the preferred one. © 2026 The Author(s). British Journal of Health Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Psychological Society.},
keywords = {adult, controlled study, female, Heart Rate, human, Humans, hypertension, Immersive virtual reality, mental stress, Middle Aged, Narration, pathophysiology, physiology, Pilot Projects, pilot study, procedures, Psychological, psychology, Pulmonary, pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, randomized controlled trial, rehabilitation, relaxation, Relaxation Therapy, relaxation training, Stress, Therapy, verbal communication, virtual reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Objectives: Several studies have shown the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (IVR)-based relaxation techniques in alleviating stress within the general population. However, few data are available on patients, or on the effectiveness of different scenarios in inducing relaxation. This pilot study aims to compare the effectiveness of three relaxation techniques—preselected IVR (IVR-PS), preferred IVR (i.e. chosen by the participant from different alternatives—IVR-PR), and narrative alone (CTR)—in reducing physiological and psychological stress in 16 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) female patients (N = 16, average age: 46 ± 10.66 years; average education: 13.31 ± 3.8 years; mean duration of illness: 8.56 ± 5.24 years) following an acute stress. Methods: Patients performed a mental stress test followed by three different relaxation sessions presented in a randomized order on three separate occasions. Self-perceived stress, level of relaxation, and heart rate (HR) were monitored during the sessions. Participants' ratings of their experiences were also collected. Results: The results indicated that the three relaxation methods were equally effective in reducing perceived stress induced by acute stress and in lowering HR. However, greater cognitive activation was reported in the two IVR conditions compared with the narrative condition. Conclusions: This is the first study to show evidence of the impact of IVR on a rare population. Despite the lack of significant differences between the two IVR and narrative-alone conditions in physiological and subjective relaxation, more than half of the participants expressed a subjective preference for the virtual experience, especially for the preferred one. © 2026 The Author(s). British Journal of Health Psychology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Psychological Society.
3.
Clemmensen, L.; Jørgensen, G.; Gundersen, K. B.; Smith, L. C.; Midtgaard, J.; Bouchard, S.; Thomsen, C. P.; Turgut, L.; Glenthoj, L. B.
Dans: BMJ Open, vol. 13, no 9, 2023, ISSN: 20446055, (Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: Anxiety disorder, article, Behavior Observation Techniques, behavioral observation, borderline state, clinical effectiveness, clinical outcome, clinical protocol, Coercion, cognitive behavioral therapy, comparative study, Denmark, Depression, feasibility study, health care need, hospital patient, human, Humans, intensive care unit, Intensive Care Units, interpersonal communication, leisure, Leisure Activities, major clinical study, neuroleptic agent, non participant observation, Patient Satisfaction, peer review, pilot study, psychiatric intensive care unit, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, semi structured interview, virtual reality, virtual reality delivered stress reduction
@article{clemmensen_study_2023,
title = {Study protocol for virtual leisure investigating the effect of virtual reality-delivered stress reduction, entertainment and distraction on the use of coercion and need-based medication and patient satisfaction at a closed psychiatric intensive care unit - A mixed-methods pilot clinical trial},
author = {L. Clemmensen and G. Jørgensen and K. B. Gundersen and L. C. Smith and J. Midtgaard and S. Bouchard and C. P. Thomsen and L. Turgut and L. B. Glenthoj},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85172425765&doi=10.1136%2fbmjopen-2022-070566&partnerID=40&md5=87f1ee7c5b1f4d9245722d461eb9e6d2},
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070566},
issn = {20446055},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {BMJ Open},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group},
abstract = {Introduction The environment at a psychiatric inpatient ward can lead to emotional distress and behavioural deviations in vulnerable individuals potentially resulting in conflicts, increased use of need-based medication and coercive actions, along with low satisfaction with treatment. To accommodate these challenges, recreational and entertaining interventions are recommended. The tested interventions have, however, shown varying effects and demand a high degree of planning and staff involvement while being difficult to adapt to individual needs. Virtual reality (VR) may help overcome these challenges. Methods and analysis The study is a mixed-methods clinical trial with a target sample of 124 patients hospitalised at a closed psychiatric ward in the capital region of Denmark. Outcomes (eg, coercion, need-based medication and perceived stress) for a 12-month period where all patients are offered VR-based recreational experiences during their hospitalisation will be compared with outcomes for a 12-month period where VR is not offered. Feasibility and acceptability will be explored with qualitative interviews supplemented with non-participant observations and focus groups. The study began on 1 January 2023, and we expect to complete data collection by 31 December 2024. Ethics and dissemination The study is registered at Danish Data Protection Agency (j.no P-2022-466) and is approved by the Committee on Health Research Ethics of the capital region of Denmark (j.no 22013313). All patients will be required to provide informed consent. Results from this study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and congress/consortium presentations. Trial registration number NCT05654740. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.},
note = {Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group},
keywords = {Anxiety disorder, article, Behavior Observation Techniques, behavioral observation, borderline state, clinical effectiveness, clinical outcome, clinical protocol, Coercion, cognitive behavioral therapy, comparative study, Denmark, Depression, feasibility study, health care need, hospital patient, human, Humans, intensive care unit, Intensive Care Units, interpersonal communication, leisure, Leisure Activities, major clinical study, neuroleptic agent, non participant observation, Patient Satisfaction, peer review, pilot study, psychiatric intensive care unit, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, semi structured interview, virtual reality, virtual reality delivered stress reduction},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Introduction The environment at a psychiatric inpatient ward can lead to emotional distress and behavioural deviations in vulnerable individuals potentially resulting in conflicts, increased use of need-based medication and coercive actions, along with low satisfaction with treatment. To accommodate these challenges, recreational and entertaining interventions are recommended. The tested interventions have, however, shown varying effects and demand a high degree of planning and staff involvement while being difficult to adapt to individual needs. Virtual reality (VR) may help overcome these challenges. Methods and analysis The study is a mixed-methods clinical trial with a target sample of 124 patients hospitalised at a closed psychiatric ward in the capital region of Denmark. Outcomes (eg, coercion, need-based medication and perceived stress) for a 12-month period where all patients are offered VR-based recreational experiences during their hospitalisation will be compared with outcomes for a 12-month period where VR is not offered. Feasibility and acceptability will be explored with qualitative interviews supplemented with non-participant observations and focus groups. The study began on 1 January 2023, and we expect to complete data collection by 31 December 2024. Ethics and dissemination The study is registered at Danish Data Protection Agency (j.no P-2022-466) and is approved by the Committee on Health Research Ethics of the capital region of Denmark (j.no 22013313). All patients will be required to provide informed consent. Results from this study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and congress/consortium presentations. Trial registration number NCT05654740. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
4.
Khadra, C.; Ballard, A.; Déry, J.; Paquin, D.; Fortin, J. -S.; Perreault, I.; Labbe, D. R.; Hoffman, H. G.; Bouchard, S.; LeMay, S.
Projector-based virtual reality dome environment for procedural pain and anxiety in young children with burn injuries: A pilot study Article de journal
Dans: Journal of Pain Research, vol. 11, p. 343–353, 2018, ISSN: 11787090, (Publisher: Dove Medical Press Ltd.).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: analgesia, Anxiety, article, burn, Child, child behavior, clinical article, clinical outcome, feasibility study, female, human, hydrotherapy, infant, male, Pain, pain measurement, pilot study, sedation, virtual reality, wound care
@article{khadra_projector-based_2018,
title = {Projector-based virtual reality dome environment for procedural pain and anxiety in young children with burn injuries: A pilot study},
author = {C. Khadra and A. Ballard and J. Déry and D. Paquin and J. -S. Fortin and I. Perreault and D. R. Labbe and H. G. Hoffman and S. Bouchard and S. LeMay},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042207962&doi=10.2147%2fJPR.S151084&partnerID=40&md5=dd16abbee6363ab5006bdfa63fa8c7c0},
doi = {10.2147/JPR.S151084},
issn = {11787090},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Pain Research},
volume = {11},
pages = {343–353},
publisher = {Dove Medical Press Ltd.},
abstract = {Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a non-pharmacological method to distract from pain during painful procedures. However, it was never tested in young children with burn injuries undergoing wound care. Aim: We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the study process and the use of VR for procedural pain management. Methods: From June 2016 to January 2017, we recruited children from 2 months to 10 years of age with burn injuries requiring a hydrotherapy session in a pediatric university teaching hospital in Montreal. Each child received the projector-based VR intervention in addition to the standard pharmacological treatment. Data on intervention and study feasibility and acceptability in addition to measures on pain (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale), baseline (Modified Smith Scale) and procedural (Procedure Behavior Check List) anxiety, comfort (OCCEB-BECCO [behavioral observational scale of comfort level for child burn victims]), and sedation (Ramsay Sedation Scale) were collected before, during, and after the procedure. Data analyses included descriptive and non-parametric inferential statistics. Results: We recruited 15 children with a mean age of 2.2±2.1 years and a mean total body surface area of 5% (±4). Mean pain score during the procedure was low (2.9/10, ±3), as was the discomfort level (2.9/10, ±2.8). Most children were cooperative, oriented, and calm. Assessing anxiety was not feasible with our sample of participants. The prototype did not interfere with the procedure and was considered useful for procedural pain management by most health care professionals. Conclusion: The projector-based VR is a feasible and acceptable intervention for procedural pain management in young children with burn injuries. A larger trial with a control group is required to assess its efficacy. © 2018 Khadra et al.},
note = {Publisher: Dove Medical Press Ltd.},
keywords = {analgesia, Anxiety, article, burn, Child, child behavior, clinical article, clinical outcome, feasibility study, female, human, hydrotherapy, infant, male, Pain, pain measurement, pilot study, sedation, virtual reality, wound care},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a non-pharmacological method to distract from pain during painful procedures. However, it was never tested in young children with burn injuries undergoing wound care. Aim: We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the study process and the use of VR for procedural pain management. Methods: From June 2016 to January 2017, we recruited children from 2 months to 10 years of age with burn injuries requiring a hydrotherapy session in a pediatric university teaching hospital in Montreal. Each child received the projector-based VR intervention in addition to the standard pharmacological treatment. Data on intervention and study feasibility and acceptability in addition to measures on pain (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale), baseline (Modified Smith Scale) and procedural (Procedure Behavior Check List) anxiety, comfort (OCCEB-BECCO [behavioral observational scale of comfort level for child burn victims]), and sedation (Ramsay Sedation Scale) were collected before, during, and after the procedure. Data analyses included descriptive and non-parametric inferential statistics. Results: We recruited 15 children with a mean age of 2.2±2.1 years and a mean total body surface area of 5% (±4). Mean pain score during the procedure was low (2.9/10, ±3), as was the discomfort level (2.9/10, ±2.8). Most children were cooperative, oriented, and calm. Assessing anxiety was not feasible with our sample of participants. The prototype did not interfere with the procedure and was considered useful for procedural pain management by most health care professionals. Conclusion: The projector-based VR is a feasible and acceptable intervention for procedural pain management in young children with burn injuries. A larger trial with a control group is required to assess its efficacy. © 2018 Khadra et al.
5.
Jacques, C.; Cloutier, V.; Bouchard, S.
The “Decoding of social interactions in virtual reality” tasks for autism spectrum people: Development of an intervention protocol and pilot testing Article de journal
Dans: Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine, vol. 2018, no 16, p. 148–152, 2018, ISSN: 15548716, (Publisher: Interactive Media Institute).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: adult, article, autism, human, male, pilot study, psychoeducation, social cognition, social competence, social interaction, social interaction test, social learning, social phobia, virtual reality
@article{jacques_decoding_2018,
title = {The “Decoding of social interactions in virtual reality” tasks for autism spectrum people: Development of an intervention protocol and pilot testing},
author = {C. Jacques and V. Cloutier and S. Bouchard},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85067871545&partnerID=40&md5=e33888550b28cf41db490b1f1d716097},
issn = {15548716},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Annual Review of CyberTherapy and Telemedicine},
volume = {2018},
number = {16},
pages = {148–152},
publisher = {Interactive Media Institute},
abstract = {Virtual reality (VR) could provide an opportunity to engage people with autism in complex social interactions and improve their social skills. Our team developed a psychoeducationl program, named the Decoding Social Interaction Task in VR (DSITinVR), and this pilot study aims at exploring whether people with autism can improve their social cognition with DSITinVR as well as improving their social skills. Three AS adult males without intellectual disability were immersed in a 6-wall CAVE-Like system. Pre-and post-application of the program was assessed by the interviewer, participants and parents to document social decoding, social skills and social anxiety. Following exposition to DSITinVR, participants showed improvement in decoding social interactive situations. However, they showed less change in social skills and social anxiety. Based on the assessment of participants, parents and the interviewer, suggestions for modifying the program are proposed, including more situations dedicated to social-skills teaching, planned practice of skills between sessions, and reframing increase in awareness to avoid sensitization. © 2018, Interactive Media Institute. All rights reserved.},
note = {Publisher: Interactive Media Institute},
keywords = {adult, article, autism, human, male, pilot study, psychoeducation, social cognition, social competence, social interaction, social interaction test, social learning, social phobia, virtual reality},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Virtual reality (VR) could provide an opportunity to engage people with autism in complex social interactions and improve their social skills. Our team developed a psychoeducationl program, named the Decoding Social Interaction Task in VR (DSITinVR), and this pilot study aims at exploring whether people with autism can improve their social cognition with DSITinVR as well as improving their social skills. Three AS adult males without intellectual disability were immersed in a 6-wall CAVE-Like system. Pre-and post-application of the program was assessed by the interviewer, participants and parents to document social decoding, social skills and social anxiety. Following exposition to DSITinVR, participants showed improvement in decoding social interactive situations. However, they showed less change in social skills and social anxiety. Based on the assessment of participants, parents and the interviewer, suggestions for modifying the program are proposed, including more situations dedicated to social-skills teaching, planned practice of skills between sessions, and reframing increase in awareness to avoid sensitization. © 2018, Interactive Media Institute. All rights reserved.
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 Article de journal
Dans: Schizophrenia Research, vol. 197, p. 176–181, 2018, ISSN: 09209964, (Publisher: Elsevier B.V.).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: 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
7.
Bouchard, S.; Robillard, G.; Giroux, I.; Jacques, C.; Loranger, C.; St-Pierre, M.; Chrétien, M.; Goulet, A.
Using virtual reality in the treatment of gambling disorder: The development of a new tool for cognitive behavior therapy Article de journal
Dans: Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 8, no FEB, 2017, ISSN: 16640640, (Publisher: Frontiers Research Foundation).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: adult, age distribution, article, clinical effectiveness, cognitive behavioral therapy, controlled study, craving, DSM-5, ethnic difference, female, high risk population, human, major clinical study, male, outcome assessment, pathological gambling, pilot study, program feasibility, safety, sex difference, treatment duration, treatment outcome, virtual reality exposure therapy
@article{bouchard_using_2017,
title = {Using virtual reality in the treatment of gambling disorder: The development of a new tool for cognitive behavior therapy},
author = {S. Bouchard and G. Robillard and I. Giroux and C. Jacques and C. Loranger and M. St-Pierre and M. Chrétien and A. Goulet},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85014229849&doi=10.3389%2ffpsyt.2017.00027&partnerID=40&md5=27df5ef448fec9e2ac3498cd76632899},
doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00027},
issn = {16640640},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Psychiatry},
volume = {8},
number = {FEB},
publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation},
abstract = {Virtual reality (VR) can be used in the treatment of gambling disorder to provide emotionally charged contexts (e.g., induce cravings) where patients can practice cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) techniques in the safety of the therapist's office. This raises practical questions, such as whether the cravings are sufficient to be clinically useful but also manageable enough to remain clinically safe. Pilot data are also needed to test the development of a treatment manual and prepare large randomized control trials. This paper reports on three studies describing (a) cravings induced in VR compared to real gambling and a control game of skill with no money involved (N = 28 frequent gamblers and 36 infrequent gamblers); (b) the usefulness of a treatment protocol with only two CBT sessions using VR (N = 34 pathological gamblers); and (c) the safety of a four-session treatment program of CBT in VR (N = 25 pathological gamblers). Study 1 reveals that immersions in VR can elicit desire and a positive anticipation to gamble in frequent gamblers that are (a) significantly stronger than for infrequent gamblers and for playing a control game of skill and (b) as strong as for gambling on a real video lottery terminal. Study 2 documents the feasibility of integrating VR in CBT, its usefulness in identifying more high-risk situations and dysfunctional thoughts, how inducing cravings during relapse prevention exercises significantly relates to treatment outcome, and the safety of the procedure in terms of cybersickness. Results from Study 3 confirm that, compared to inducing urges to gamble in imagination, using VR does not lead to urges that are stronger, last longer, or feel more out of control. Outcome data and effect sizes are reported for both randomized control pilot trials conducted in inpatient settings. Suggestions for future research are provided, including on increasing the number of VR sessions in the treatment program. © 2017 Bouchard, Robillard, Giroux, Jacques, Loranger, St-Pierre, Chrétien and Goulet.},
note = {Publisher: Frontiers Research Foundation},
keywords = {adult, age distribution, article, clinical effectiveness, cognitive behavioral therapy, controlled study, craving, DSM-5, ethnic difference, female, high risk population, human, major clinical study, male, outcome assessment, pathological gambling, pilot study, program feasibility, safety, sex difference, treatment duration, treatment outcome, virtual reality exposure therapy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Virtual reality (VR) can be used in the treatment of gambling disorder to provide emotionally charged contexts (e.g., induce cravings) where patients can practice cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) techniques in the safety of the therapist's office. This raises practical questions, such as whether the cravings are sufficient to be clinically useful but also manageable enough to remain clinically safe. Pilot data are also needed to test the development of a treatment manual and prepare large randomized control trials. This paper reports on three studies describing (a) cravings induced in VR compared to real gambling and a control game of skill with no money involved (N = 28 frequent gamblers and 36 infrequent gamblers); (b) the usefulness of a treatment protocol with only two CBT sessions using VR (N = 34 pathological gamblers); and (c) the safety of a four-session treatment program of CBT in VR (N = 25 pathological gamblers). Study 1 reveals that immersions in VR can elicit desire and a positive anticipation to gamble in frequent gamblers that are (a) significantly stronger than for infrequent gamblers and for playing a control game of skill and (b) as strong as for gambling on a real video lottery terminal. Study 2 documents the feasibility of integrating VR in CBT, its usefulness in identifying more high-risk situations and dysfunctional thoughts, how inducing cravings during relapse prevention exercises significantly relates to treatment outcome, and the safety of the procedure in terms of cybersickness. Results from Study 3 confirm that, compared to inducing urges to gamble in imagination, using VR does not lead to urges that are stronger, last longer, or feel more out of control. Outcome data and effect sizes are reported for both randomized control pilot trials conducted in inpatient settings. Suggestions for future research are provided, including on increasing the number of VR sessions in the treatment program. © 2017 Bouchard, Robillard, Giroux, Jacques, Loranger, St-Pierre, Chrétien and Goulet.
8.
Laforest, M.; Bouchard, S.; Bossé, J.; Mesly, O.
Dans: Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 7, no JUN, 2016, ISSN: 16640640 (ISSN), (Publisher: Frontiers Research Foundation).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: adult, aged, article, CBT, clinical effectiveness, cognitive behavioral therapy, disease severity, exposure, female, generalized anxiety disorder, human, hypnosis, male, obsessive compulsive disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, pilot study, psychologic assessment, Response prevention, self report, treatment duration, treatment outcome, treatment response, virtual reality, Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale
@article{laforest_effectiveness_2016,
title = {Effectiveness of in virtuo exposure and response prevention treatment using cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A study based on a single-case study protocol},
author = {M. Laforest and S. Bouchard and J. Bossé and O. Mesly},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84977551825&doi=10.3389%2ffpsyt.2016.00099&partnerID=40&md5=8aaf926230112d06a0c1e629e49b51c6},
doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00099},
issn = {16640640 (ISSN)},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Psychiatry},
volume = {7},
number = {JUN},
publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation},
abstract = {Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of distressing, recurrent and intrusive thoughts, impulses, or doubts as well as behavioral or mental rituals. OCD has various subtypes, including the fear of contamination in which individuals fear bacteria, germs, disease, or bodily secretions, and engage in clinically significant cleaning and avoidance rituals. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for OCD and involves, among other therapeutic strategies, exposing patients to feared stimuli while preventing them to engage in compulsive behaviors. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has shown the potential of in virtuo exposure with people suffering from anxiety disorders and OCD. The objective of this pilotstudy is to examine the effectiveness of a CBT program where exposure in conducted in virtuo. Three adults suffering from OCD with a dominant subtype of contamination were enrolled in a single-case design with multiple baselines across participants. The presence and intensity of obsessions and compulsions were assessed daily during baselines of 3-, 4-, or 5-week, and a 12-session treatment. Follow-up information was gathered after 4 and 8 months. Treatment outcome is assessed with visual inspection of the graphs and ARMA time-series analyses. Clinical information, self-reports, and details of the treatment are provided for each patient. Statistical analyses for the time-series data revealed a statistically significant improvement in all three participants, but global improvement is considered positive for only two. This study innovates in proving preliminary support for the usefulness of VR in the CBT of OCD with contamination features. © 2016 Laforest, Bouchard, Bossé and Mesly.},
note = {Publisher: Frontiers Research Foundation},
keywords = {adult, aged, article, CBT, clinical effectiveness, cognitive behavioral therapy, disease severity, exposure, female, generalized anxiety disorder, human, hypnosis, male, obsessive compulsive disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, pilot study, psychologic assessment, Response prevention, self report, treatment duration, treatment outcome, treatment response, virtual reality, Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of distressing, recurrent and intrusive thoughts, impulses, or doubts as well as behavioral or mental rituals. OCD has various subtypes, including the fear of contamination in which individuals fear bacteria, germs, disease, or bodily secretions, and engage in clinically significant cleaning and avoidance rituals. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for OCD and involves, among other therapeutic strategies, exposing patients to feared stimuli while preventing them to engage in compulsive behaviors. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has shown the potential of in virtuo exposure with people suffering from anxiety disorders and OCD. The objective of this pilotstudy is to examine the effectiveness of a CBT program where exposure in conducted in virtuo. Three adults suffering from OCD with a dominant subtype of contamination were enrolled in a single-case design with multiple baselines across participants. The presence and intensity of obsessions and compulsions were assessed daily during baselines of 3-, 4-, or 5-week, and a 12-session treatment. Follow-up information was gathered after 4 and 8 months. Treatment outcome is assessed with visual inspection of the graphs and ARMA time-series analyses. Clinical information, self-reports, and details of the treatment are provided for each patient. Statistical analyses for the time-series data revealed a statistically significant improvement in all three participants, but global improvement is considered positive for only two. This study innovates in proving preliminary support for the usefulness of VR in the CBT of OCD with contamination features. © 2016 Laforest, Bouchard, Bossé and Mesly.
9.
Dennis, E.; Rouleau, J. -L.; Renaud, P.; Nolet, K.; Saumur, C.
A pilot development of virtual stimuli depicting affective dispositions for penile plethysmography assessment of sex offenders Article de journal
Dans: Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, vol. 23, no 3, p. 200–208, 2014, ISSN: 11884517 (ISSN), (Publisher: University of Toronto Press Inc.).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: adult, Affect, affective disposition, article, assessment, computer program, Facial Expression, Fear, female, happiness, heterosexuality, human, human experiment, male, normal human, penile blood flow, penile plethysmography, pilot study, Plethysmography, sadness, sex offenders, sexual arousal, Sexual Behavior, sexual crime, sexual orientation, undergraduate student, virtual reality, Virtual stimuli
@article{dennis_pilot_2014,
title = {A pilot development of virtual stimuli depicting affective dispositions for penile plethysmography assessment of sex offenders},
author = {E. Dennis and J. -L. Rouleau and P. Renaud and K. Nolet and C. Saumur},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84938522255&doi=10.3138%2fcjhs.2529&partnerID=40&md5=43cf6631bb2cd619ca0d049ae3a3b093},
doi = {10.3138/cjhs.2529},
issn = {11884517 (ISSN)},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality},
volume = {23},
number = {3},
pages = {200–208},
publisher = {University of Toronto Press Inc.},
abstract = {There are concerns regarding the reliability, realism, and validity of stimulus materials used in the assessment of sexual interests among sex offenders. This article explores new stimulus materials for use with penile plethysmography (PPG) assessments. First, this paper presents a pilot study where undergraduate students rated virtual characters (male and female) on perceived age. In addition, the materials developed are unique in that they depict the characters exhibiting varying affective dispositions, including neutral, fearful, sad, joyful, and seductive. Participants in the first study were also asked to identify the affective disposition of the virtual characters, and results suggest that affective disposition was largely perceived as intended, especially in terms of identifying the general emotional valence of the affective dispositions (i.e., positive versus negative). In a second pilot study, we used the computer-generated images to measure sexual arousal responses in a group of non-deviant males recruited in the community. Responses measured through penile plethysmography suggest participants responded to the stimuli as expected, as the greatest amount of sexual arousal was recorded when participants were shown the adult female character. In addition, participants responded with significant arousal only when the adult female character was depicted as sexually open (joyful or seductive), rather than sexually closed or neutral. Results suggest these materials may discriminate sexual interests if applied within clinical forensic assessment of sex offenders. © 2014 by the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada.},
note = {Publisher: University of Toronto Press Inc.},
keywords = {adult, Affect, affective disposition, article, assessment, computer program, Facial Expression, Fear, female, happiness, heterosexuality, human, human experiment, male, normal human, penile blood flow, penile plethysmography, pilot study, Plethysmography, sadness, sex offenders, sexual arousal, Sexual Behavior, sexual crime, sexual orientation, undergraduate student, virtual reality, Virtual stimuli},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
There are concerns regarding the reliability, realism, and validity of stimulus materials used in the assessment of sexual interests among sex offenders. This article explores new stimulus materials for use with penile plethysmography (PPG) assessments. First, this paper presents a pilot study where undergraduate students rated virtual characters (male and female) on perceived age. In addition, the materials developed are unique in that they depict the characters exhibiting varying affective dispositions, including neutral, fearful, sad, joyful, and seductive. Participants in the first study were also asked to identify the affective disposition of the virtual characters, and results suggest that affective disposition was largely perceived as intended, especially in terms of identifying the general emotional valence of the affective dispositions (i.e., positive versus negative). In a second pilot study, we used the computer-generated images to measure sexual arousal responses in a group of non-deviant males recruited in the community. Responses measured through penile plethysmography suggest participants responded to the stimuli as expected, as the greatest amount of sexual arousal was recorded when participants were shown the adult female character. In addition, participants responded with significant arousal only when the adult female character was depicted as sexually open (joyful or seductive), rather than sexually closed or neutral. Results suggest these materials may discriminate sexual interests if applied within clinical forensic assessment of sex offenders. © 2014 by the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada.
10.
Yuen, E. K.; Herbert, J. D.; Forman, E. M.; Goetter, E. M.; Juarascio, A. S.; Rabin, S.; Goodwin, C.; Bouchard, S.
Acceptance based behavior therapy for social anxiety disorder through videoconferencing Article de journal
Dans: Journal of Anxiety Disorders, vol. 27, no 4, p. 389–397, 2013, ISSN: 18737897 (ISSN).
Résumé | Liens | BibTeX | Étiquettes: acceptance based behavior therapy, adult, agoraphobia, alcoholism, article, avoidance behavior, Beck Depression Inventory, behavior therapy, Behavioral Assessment Test, Brief Version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, clinical article, clinical trial, comorbidity, disability, effect size, Feasibility Studies, feasibility study, female, follow up, Follow-Up Studies, generalized anxiety disorder, human, Humans, interview, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, major depression, male, named inventories, panic, patient attitude, Patient Satisfaction, phobia, Phobic Disorders, Pilot Projects, pilot study, procedures, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, psychologic test, Psychological, psychological rating scale, psychotherapist attitude, quality of life, questionnaires and rating scales, Skype, social anxiety, social phobia, Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders, telehealth, Telemedicine, Telemental health, Telepsychology, treatment outcome, videoconferencing
@article{yuen_acceptance_2013,
title = {Acceptance based behavior therapy for social anxiety disorder through videoconferencing},
author = {E. K. Yuen and J. D. Herbert and E. M. Forman and E. M. Goetter and A. S. Juarascio and S. Rabin and C. Goodwin and S. Bouchard},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84879799248&doi=10.1016%2fj.janxdis.2013.03.002&partnerID=40&md5=a280b967176db691df32f37d15cb52a1},
doi = {10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.03.002},
issn = {18737897 (ISSN)},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Anxiety Disorders},
volume = {27},
number = {4},
pages = {389–397},
abstract = {Most individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) do not receive any type of treatment. Reasons include logistical barriers (e.g., geographic location, travel time), fear of stigmatization, and fear of the social interactions associated with seeking treatment. Videoconferencing technology holds great promise in the widespread delivery of evidence-based treatments to those who would otherwise not receive treatment. This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of an acceptance-based behavioral intervention using Skype videoconferencing to treat adults with generalized SAD. Twenty-four participants received 12 sessions of weekly therapy and were assessed at pre-treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Participants and therapists rated the intervention as acceptable and feasible. Analyses revealed significant pre-treatment to follow-up improvements in social anxiety, depression, disability, quality of life, and experiential avoidance, with effect sizes comparable to or larger than previously published results of studies delivering in-person CBT for SAD. Implications and future directions are discussed. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.},
keywords = {acceptance based behavior therapy, adult, agoraphobia, alcoholism, article, avoidance behavior, Beck Depression Inventory, behavior therapy, Behavioral Assessment Test, Brief Version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, clinical article, clinical trial, comorbidity, disability, effect size, Feasibility Studies, feasibility study, female, follow up, Follow-Up Studies, generalized anxiety disorder, human, Humans, interview, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, major depression, male, named inventories, panic, patient attitude, Patient Satisfaction, phobia, Phobic Disorders, Pilot Projects, pilot study, procedures, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, psychologic test, Psychological, psychological rating scale, psychotherapist attitude, quality of life, questionnaires and rating scales, Skype, social anxiety, social phobia, Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders, telehealth, Telemedicine, Telemental health, Telepsychology, treatment outcome, videoconferencing},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Most individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) do not receive any type of treatment. Reasons include logistical barriers (e.g., geographic location, travel time), fear of stigmatization, and fear of the social interactions associated with seeking treatment. Videoconferencing technology holds great promise in the widespread delivery of evidence-based treatments to those who would otherwise not receive treatment. This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of an acceptance-based behavioral intervention using Skype videoconferencing to treat adults with generalized SAD. Twenty-four participants received 12 sessions of weekly therapy and were assessed at pre-treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Participants and therapists rated the intervention as acceptable and feasible. Analyses revealed significant pre-treatment to follow-up improvements in social anxiety, depression, disability, quality of life, and experiential avoidance, with effect sizes comparable to or larger than previously published results of studies delivering in-person CBT for SAD. Implications and future directions are discussed. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.