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Virtual Reality’s Unexpected Role In Healing Depression

A recent study delves into the potential of extended reality (XR) headsets in addressing major depressive disorder (MDD).

Published in JMIR Mental Health, the study reveals that virtual reality (VR) treatment demonstrates promise, yielding outcomes comparable to conventional telehealth therapy for depression.

Extended reality immerses the wearer in a synthesized VR environment, blending sight and sound.

The research compares the efficacy of behavioral activation therapy, a standard intervention for MDD, with an enhanced version termed “XR-BA.” The primary metric employed is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores, indicative of MDD severity, gathered via telephone interviews. Higher PHQ-9 scores denote more profound MDD symptoms.

Twenty-six participants are randomly assigned to either a 3-week, 4-session course of traditional behavioral activation therapy or a similar regimen of XR-BA therapy, facilitated through Meta Quest 2 VR headsets.

The participants, with an average age of 50.3 years, are predominantly female (73%), with 23% male and 4% nonbinary or third gender.

Both groups demonstrate a significant reduction in PHQ-9 scores and symptom severity from the trial’s commencement to conclusion.

Notably, the XR-BA group exhibits a decline in PHQ-9 scores even before commencing therapy sessions, suggesting positive anticipation and a potential placebo effect. For individuals intrigued by new technology, XR-BA therapy may offer therapeutic engagement within an immersive environment.

Margot Paul, PsyD, MS, the study’s lead author and clinical assistant professor at Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, notes that XR could motivate clients to actively participate in psychotherapy, thereby destigmatizing mental healthcare and lowering access barriers.

Şerife Tekin, PhD, an assistant professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Center for Bioethics and Humanities, not involved in the study, suggests that while the placebo effect might influence XR-BA’s mental health benefits, further investigation is warranted.

Tekin emphasizes that active engagement in the recovery process enhances patients’ sense of agency and control over their lives. XR-BA treatment offers a diverse array of immersive activities, from magical board games to mastery challenges, potentially counteracting the withdrawal and inactivity associated with depression.

Tekin speculates that XR-BA may counteract depressive tendencies by energizing participants and fostering a sense of empowerment through interactive engagement.