BEYOND THERAPY: VIRTUAL REALITY SHOWS PROMISE IN FIGHTING DEPRESSION

TORONTO , May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study published in MICR Mental Health sheds light on the promising role of virtual reality (VR) in treating major depressive disorder (MD). Titled "Examining the Efficacy of Extended Reality-Enhanced Behavioral Activation for Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial," the research, led by Dr Argot Paul and team from Stanford University, unveiled the effectiveness of extended reality (R)-enhanced behavioral activation (R-BA) in easing symptoms of depression.

MD affects millions worldwide, and access to evidence-based psychotherapies remains a challenge for many. Traditional treatments often face barriers, prompting researchers to explore innovative solutions. R, which includes VR, encompasses various immersive technologies involving computer-generated environments that blend physical and digital worlds. Leveraging the immersive power of R, this study explored R-BA as a potential game-changer in MD treatment.

Dr Paul and team conducted a randomized controlled trial among 26 outpatients with MD receiving remote care. Using a VR Meta Quest 2 headset, the participants engaged in simulated pleasant or mastery activities, including playing a magical VR board game, deciphering clues to solve puzzles, dancing to music, and playing mini golf alone or with friends. Though the learning curve for using the headset was high, participants reported that the experience became more enjoyable and useful over time.

The results were comparable to traditional behavioral activation delivered via telepathy. Both R-BA and traditional behavioral activation helped reduce the severity of depression in a significant way, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Moreover, the findings suggest that individuals in the R-BA group might have experienced a heightened expectancy or placebo response because of the novelty of the technology and implicit beliefs regarding mental health treatment.

"These results indicate that R may help to de-stigmatize mental healthcare and reduce barriers to individuals seeking care. Clinicians could use R as a treatment tool to help motivate clients to actively participate in their psychotherapy treatment by completing 'homework' that is novel, fun, and accessible," remarked Dr Paul.

The study underscores the potential of VR, particularly R-BA, in revolutionizing depression treatment by offering efficacy akin to traditional therapy. This is a promising avenue for enhancing treatment outcomes and addressing barriers to accessing evidence-based psychotherapies for MD, potentially expanding care for affected individuals. Additionally, the exploration of R's capacity to amplify placebo effects hints at the transformative possibilities of technology-assisted mental health therapies.

Please cite as:

Paul FM, Bullock Ks, Brailles Jo, Burns D

Examining the Efficacy of Extended Reality-Enhanced Behavioral Activation for Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial

MICR Meant Health 2024;11:e52326

do: 10.2196/52326

URL: https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e52326

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SOURCE JMIR Publications