Advances in the use of virtual reality to treat mental health conditions

Imogen H. Bell; Roos Pot-Kolder; Albert Rizzo; Mar Rus-Calafell; Valentina Cardi; Matteo Cella; Thomas Ward; Simon Riches; Martin Reinoso; Andrew Thompson; Mario Alvarez-Jimenez; Lucia Valmaggia

doi:10.1038/s44159-024-00334-9

Advances in the use of virtual reality to treat mental health conditions

Imogen H. Bell, Roos Pot-Kolder, Albert Rizzo, Mar Rus-Calafell, Valentina Cardi, Matteo Cella, Thomas Ward, Simon Riches, Martin Reinoso, Andrew Thompson, Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, Lucia Valmaggia^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

149 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in the field of mental health. Central to this technology are immersive environments, which enable exposure to highly controlled virtual experiences that feel real. In this Review, we elaborate on the active elements of immersive experiences and how VR-based treatments work. We provide an overview of developments in the use of VR to treat mental health conditions (anxiety, psychotic symptoms, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, depression and stress management) with a focus on the core mechanisms that drive effective interventions. Artificial intelligence, biofeedback and gamification are emerging areas of development, and we discuss how they might enhance the accessibility, engagement and effectiveness of psychological treatments. Conducting rigorous studies with user-centred designs in diverse populations is a key research priority. As the use of VR in mental health continues to evolve, addressing ethical and implementation considerations is critical for ensuring ongoing treatment improvements.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	552-567
Number of pages	16
Journal	Nature Reviews Psychology
Volume	3
Issue number	8
Early online date	10 Jul 2024
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-024-00334-9
Publication status	Published - Aug 2024

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title = "Advances in the use of virtual reality to treat mental health conditions",

abstract = "Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in the field of mental health. Central to this technology are immersive environments, which enable exposure to highly controlled virtual experiences that feel real. In this Review, we elaborate on the active elements of immersive experiences and how VR-based treatments work. We provide an overview of developments in the use of VR to treat mental health conditions (anxiety, psychotic symptoms, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, depression and stress management) with a focus on the core mechanisms that drive effective interventions. Artificial intelligence, biofeedback and gamification are emerging areas of development, and we discuss how they might enhance the accessibility, engagement and effectiveness of psychological treatments. Conducting rigorous studies with user-centred designs in diverse populations is a key research priority. As the use of VR in mental health continues to evolve, addressing ethical and implementation considerations is critical for ensuring ongoing treatment improvements.",

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AU - Cardi, Valentina

AU - Cella, Matteo

AU - Ward, Thomas

AU - Riches, Simon

AU - Reinoso, Martin

AU - Thompson, Andrew

AU - Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario

AU - Valmaggia, Lucia

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Advances in the use of virtual reality to treat mental health conditions

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