MIND STUDY
What is mind about?
Many young people experience feelings of depression and anxiety. We may be able to help young people feel less depressed and anxious by giving them skills to be more flexible in their thinking. We are conducting this study to evaluate a new VR treatment for youth depression and anxiety called ‘MIND’.
The VR treatment will allow young people to learn and practice skills in a virtual environment in a way that is fun, interesting and engaging, with the support of a therapist.
what happens in the study?
If you decide to take part, you will complete:
- Four to five in-person sessions with your clinician to receive the MIND VR treatment
- Three research assessments: at the beginning of the study, after approximately 10 weeks when you have completed the VR treatment and another 4 weeks later. A research assistant will ask questions about you, such as your gender, age, and recent mental health experiences including symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- You may be invited to take part in an optional feedback interview to help us understand how we can implement MIND into services.
You will be reimbursed $30 for your time for each research assessment, and an additional $30 for the optional interview. This means the total reimbursement available for this research study is $120. You will not be reimbursed for attending therapy sessions; however, the VR treatment is free.
i’m interestED. what’s next?
You may be eligible to participate if you are:
- Aged between 12-25
- A current client of an eligible youth mental health service
- Please note this study is currently only open to clients at the following headspace services in Queensland: Meadowbrook, Nundah, Inala, Ipswich and Woolloongabba.
- Seeking or receiving treatment for depression and/or anxiety, and
- Able to speak and understand English
CONTACT US
If you are interested or want to know more about the study, please speak with your clinician or contact a study team member on [email protected]. You will need to complete a consent form before you start participation, if you are under the age of 18, we will also ask for consent from your parent or guardian. If you cannot get consent from a parent or guardian and you are aged 15 years or older, you may still be able to participate. Speak with your clinician or a study team member if you are unsure.
MIND: frequently asked questions
What is virtual reality?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a fully immersive computer-generated 3D environment that is projected via a headset device. The environment can be interacted with in a real or physical way by using hand & movement tracking.
What can I expect from mind?
During the MIND treatment sessions, you will wear a VR headset. Through engaging, interactive exercises, you will be guided to learn and practice skills based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), an evidence-based treatment for youth depression and anxiety. For each session you will be in the virtual environment for approximately 15 minutes. A therapist will be in the room with you to guide you through and there will be time for discussion before and after the exercises.
Do I need to supply my own VR headset?
No. The study team will fully supply all VR hardware and software, and this will be accessible in-person at your local headspace centre.
Does participating affect any other treatment I am currently receiving
No. Participation in this research does not result in restrictions of your medication, or any ongoing care or treatment you might be receiving from headspace or other mental health services.
Who is conducting the research?
This research study is being conducted by Dr Imogen Bell and Dr Jen Nicholas at Orygen and The University of Melbourne.
The MIND study has been approved by the University of Melbourne Ethics Committee.