A randomized controlled trial will test whether virtual-reality-guided meditation is feasible and acceptable for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in older adults. Thirty community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older with moderate stress will be randomly assigned to either an eight-session VR meditation program or a waitlist control group. Sessions last 15 minutes and occur twice weekly for four weeks, offered at home or in a hospital. Outcomes include perceived stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, quality of life, and mindfulness skills, measured before and after the intervention. Qualitative interviews will capture participants' experiences. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05315609).
A new treatment combining ketamine infusions with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may be feasible for people who have both alcohol use disorder and treatment-resistant depression. In an open-label trial at a Montreal hospital, 30 participants will receive six ketamine infusions plus eight weekly therapy sessions, either in person or online. The study primarily tests whether the combined approach is practical and acceptable by measuring completion rates, safety, and data quality. Exploratory measures will track changes in depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and quality of life. Some participants will also be interviewed about their experiences.