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Riches S, Jeyarajaguru P, Taylor L, Fialho C, Little J, Ahmed L, O’Brien A, van Driel C, Veling W, Valmaggia L. Virtual reality relaxation for people with mental health conditions: a systematic review. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023:10.1007/s00127-022-02417-5. [PMID: 36658261 PMCID: PMC9852806 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02417-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vulnerability to stress is linked to poor mental health. Stress management interventions for people with mental health conditions are numerous but they are difficult to implement and have limited effectiveness in this population. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation is an innovative intervention that aims to reduce stress. This review aimed to synthesize evidence of VR relaxation for people with mental health conditions (PROSPERO 269405). METHODS Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science were searched until 17th September 2021. The review was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool assessed methodological quality of studies. RESULTS Searching identified 4550 studies. Eighteen studies (N = 848) were included in the review. Studies were published between 2008 and 2021. Eleven were conducted in Europe. Thirteen studies were controlled trials. Participants were mostly working-age adult outpatients experiencing anxiety or stress-related conditions. Other conditions included eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Five studies tested inpatients. All studies used a range of nature-based virtual environments, such as forests, islands, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and most commonly, beaches to promote relaxation. Studies provided evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effectiveness of VR relaxation to increase relaxation and reduce stress. EPHPP ratings were 'strong' (N = 11), 'moderate' (N = 4), and 'weak' (N = 3). CONCLUSIONS VR relaxation has potential as a low-intensity intervention to promote relaxation and reduce stress for adults with mental health conditions, especially anxiety and stress-related problems. Further research is warranted on this promising intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Riches
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, SE5 8AF, UK. .,Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, SE5 8AF, UK. .,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, BR3 3BX, UK.
| | - Priyanga Jeyarajaguru
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Lawson Taylor
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Carolina Fialho
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF UK
| | - Jordan Little
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, BR3 3BX UK
| | - Lava Ahmed
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, BR3 3BX UK
| | | | - Catheleine van Driel
- University Center for Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001 (HPC CC60), 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Veling
- University Center for Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001 (HPC CC60), 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucia Valmaggia
- Department of Psychology, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, SE5 8AF UK ,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, BR3 3BX UK
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Jeppesen UN, Due AS, Mariegaard L, Pinkham A, Vos M, Veling W, Nordentoft M, Glenthøj LB. Face Your Fears: Virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy (VR-CBT) versus standard CBT for paranoid ideations in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a randomized clinical trial. Trials 2022; 23:658. [PMID: 35971137 PMCID: PMC9377061 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06614-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia spectrum disorders cause suffering for patients, relatives, and the surrounding society. Paranoid ideations, encompassing ideas of social reference and manifest persecutory delusions, are among the most frequent symptoms in this population and a cause of significant distress. Recent meta-analyses of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for psychosis show small to moderate effect sizes in reducing paranoid ideations. Virtual reality-based CBT (VR-CBT) could improve therapy efficacy as exposure and behavioral experiments in VR can be optimized, individualized, and carried out in a safe environment. Few VR-CBT studies exist for paranoid ideations and there is a need for large-scale, methodologically rigorous trials. METHODS This study is a randomized, assessor-blinded parallel-groups multi-center superiority clinical trial, fulfilling the CONSORT criteria for non-pharmacological treatment. A total of 256 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, including schizotypal disorder (ICD-10 F20-29), will be allocated to either 10 sessions of symptom-specific CBT-VR plus treatment as usual-versus 10 sessions of standard symptom-specific CBT for paranoid ideations (CBT) plus treatment as usual. All participants will be assessed at baseline, treatment end (3 months post baseline), and then 9 months post baseline. A stratified block-randomization with concealed randomization sequence will be conducted. Independent assessors blinded to the treatment will evaluate the outcome. Analysis of outcome will be carried out with the intention to treat principles. The primary outcome is ideas of social reference measured with Green Paranoid Thought Scale Part A (GPTS-A) at the cessation of treatment at 3 months post baseline. Secondary outcomes are ideas of persecution (GPTS-B), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP), Safety Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), and CANTAB Emotion Recognition Task. DISCUSSION The trial will elucidate whether VR-CBT can enhance therapy efficacy for paranoid ideations. Additionally, Trial findings will provide evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of VR-CBT for paranoid ideations that can guide the possible dissemination and implementation into clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04902066 . Initial release April 9th, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- U. N. Jeppesen
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XCopenhagen Research Centre on Mental Health (CORE), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A. S. Due
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XCopenhagen Research Centre on Mental Health (CORE), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L. Mariegaard
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XCopenhagen Research Centre on Mental Health (CORE), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A. Pinkham
- grid.267323.10000 0001 2151 7939School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, USA
| | - M. Vos
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - W. Veling
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - M. Nordentoft
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XCopenhagen Research Centre on Mental Health (CORE), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L. B. Glenthøj
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XCopenhagen Research Centre on Mental Health (CORE), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XDepartment of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Monaghesh E, Samad-Soltani T, Farhang S. Virtual reality-based interventions for patients with paranoia: A systematic review. Psychiatry Res 2022; 307:114338. [PMID: 34922239 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Paranoia is an important psychiatric symptom with a remarkable effect on daily life. Virtual reality (VR)-based treatments are influential and safe for patients with paranoia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, and define the clinical and technical characteristics of available VR strategies for the treatment of patients with paranoia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies published up to 25/11/2021 reporting VR-based interventions for the treatment of patients with paranoia were reviewed in five databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus. RESULTS Out of 302 initial search results, eight were included in the present study based on the inclusion criteria. Six studies were randomized clinical trials with the interventions in the experimental group being based on VR, compared to routine interventions as controls. Two were before-after studies. The most commonly used hardware and software were head-mounted display and Unity3D, respectively. Interventions had a range of 1-16 sessions with follow-up durations of 0-6 months. All investigations showed positive results in the main target, including improved social participation, reduced level of anxiety, as well as diminished suspicious ideas and paranoid symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that VR-based interventions are effective treatments. Although the use of VR technology is limited for a variety of reasons, such as cost, it improves symptoms in patients with paranoia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Monaghesh
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Taha Samad-Soltani
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sara Farhang
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; University of Groningen, University medical center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel research center, Hanzeplein 1, Postbus: 30.001, HPC CC72, Groningen, RB 9700, Netherlands.
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