A few years ago research from the University of Georgia explored the use of virtual reality in mental health. The paper examines the current state of VR in psychiatric treatment, with the most common current application being in the treatment of anxiety disorders.  For instance, users might be exposed to frightening situations.  VR is capable of recreating exposures that would be either costly or impractical to recreate in real life.  Therapists can also control the dosage of each exposure too.

The examination of such applications suggests that they have clear benefits to patients.  For instance, studies of flight phobia have reported significant and lasting reductions in flight-related anxiety. Patients report satisfaction with VR-based therapy, and in some cases find it more acceptable than traditional therapy.

Whilst the initial results do appear promising, not just in anxiety related areas but also in areas such as addiction and eating disorders, the number of participants in studies is generally low, and it’s therefore difficult to read too much into their use in practice.  It’s an area that is ripe for growth however.

“With the cost of head-mounted displays coming down and smaller smartphone applications being developed, it is likely that virtual reality applications will proliferate,” the authors say. “It will be important that these are treated as tools and therapists are properly trained in their applications.”

Easing depression

Another potential application was highlighted by a recent article from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, which explored how the psychological stresses of the coronavirus pandemic can be supported by virtual reality.

The authors highlight three distinct psychological problems caused by the coronavirus: the stress associated with the disease itself, the crisis in terms of our sense of community, and the disappearance of places.  The fear of becoming sick is making us anxious, with the quarantine procedures in place often resulting in a loss of community and sense of place.

The researchers believe that virtual reality can help, as the cost of the technology has come down considerably in recent years, and now provides us with an effective way of simulating reality via specialized 360-degree immersive videos.

“As our society continues to face these difficult times, it becomes imperative to address mental well-being. It is uplifting to see practical uses of advanced technologies, such as Virtual Reality, making a positive impact. Although previously characterized by some as isolating, we see this new use of shared virtual spaces becoming increasingly important as a means to bring individuals and families together. We look forward to continued exploration of ways that can enrich our shared human experience,” the authors conclude.