Reducing Itch With Hypnosis and Virtual Reality

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Virtual Reality-assisted hypnosis: The VRH intervention consists of 6 interventional sessions. Every session, first, participants receive hypnotic induction and go through a deepening phase using a hypnotic script and a VR environment designed based on input from individuals suffering from chronic itch. To this end, participants are instructed to close their eyes while they will continue to listen to the recorded hypnotic script developed based on general hypnotic principles as amongst others described by Yapko (2013). Direct antipruritic suggestions are used such as "your skin will feel so soft, relaxed and cool, it is fully at ease". After these standardized suggestions, the participants will be alerted again. Home exercises (ca 5 min/day) include guided self-hypnosis records with direct antipruritic suggestions comparable to the ones they listen to during the intervention at location.

Study summary

Chronic itch is a disabling condition with currently limited treatment options. Virtual reality (VR) is a relatively new approach that provides immersion in another environment and has been shown to have a temporary itch mitigating potential. Hypnosis, which is a state of relaxation, has been successfully applied with more long-term treatment effects in the specific case of itch as a result of severe atopic dermatitis. However, hypnosis tends to depend on an individual's susceptibility, or ease, to come into a hypnotic state. A combination of VR and hypnosis (VRH) has been put forward since it may combine the longer lasting effects of hypnosis with VR making the hypnosis more accessible by facilitating imagination. Even though VRH is a promising avenue, it has never been investigated in the context of itch. In this randomized controlled trial, comparing a VRH treatment with a waiting list control group after 6 sessions and at follow-up, it is aimed to assess the effectiveness of VRH in reducing itch along with its psychological burden in adult individuals with therapy-resistant disabling itch.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Clinical itch intensity — Baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at follow-up (±6 weeks after end of intervention)
  The primary outcome is short-term (end of treatment) and longer-term (approximately 6 weeks post-treatment) itch reduction (0-10 NRS) \[end of treatment and follow-up compared to baseline; between group\].

Trial sites (1)

More Universiteit Leiden trials in the Netherlands