APEX Trial

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A Pilot Clinical Trial Assessing the Effectiveness of AVATAR VR-Assisted Exposure Therapy on Symptom Severity Reduction of persistent auditory hallucinations in people with psychosis.

• IRAS ID

  360139

• Contact name

  Peter Phiri

• Contact email

  peter.phiri@southernhealth.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  This trial aims to examine the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary signs of efficacy of a targeted AVATAR virtual reality-assisted therapy (VRT), for persistent auditory hallucinations in individuals with psychosis compared to the effect of treatment as usual. We want to explore whether VRT is feasible, acceptable and tolerable with this population. In addition, we aim to gather preliminary data on potential clinical signals of change (e.g., severity, frequency, and distress of auditory hallucinations, broader clinical symptoms and functional outcomes) to inform the design of a future definitive trial.

• REC name

  North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/NW/0318

• Date of REC Opinion

  3 Nov 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion