scholarly journals Using Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Enhance Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Identifying Areas of Clinical Adoption and Potential Obstacles

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Boeldt ◽  
Elizabeth McMahon ◽  
Mimi McFaul ◽  
Walter Greenleaf
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Exposure Therapy ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure ◽  
Clinical Adoption

scholarly journals Experiences of Gamified and Automated Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Spider Phobia: Qualitative Study

10.2196/17807 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e17807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Lindner ◽  
Alexander Rozental ◽  
Alice Jurell ◽  
Lena Reuterskiöld ◽  
Gerhard Andersson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Exposure Therapy ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Spider Phobia ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
User Experiences ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure

Background Virtual reality exposure therapy is an efficacious treatment of anxiety disorders, and recent research suggests that such treatments can be automated, relying on gamification elements instead of a real-life therapist directing treatment. Such automated, gamified treatments could be disseminated without restrictions, helping to close the treatment gap for anxiety disorders. Despite initial findings suggesting high efficacy, very is little is known about how users experience this type of intervention. Objective The aim of this study was to examine user experiences of automated, gamified virtual reality exposure therapy using in-depth qualitative methods. Methods Seven participants were recruited from a parallel clinical trial comparing automated, gamified virtual reality exposure therapy for spider phobia against an in vivo exposure equivalent. Participants received the same virtual reality treatment as in the trial and completed a semistructured interview afterward. The transcribed material was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Many of the uncovered themes pertained directly or indirectly to a sense of presence in the virtual environment, both positive and negative. The automated format was perceived as natural and the gamification elements appear to have been successful in framing the experience not as psychotherapy devoid of a therapist but rather as a serious game with a psychotherapeutic goal. Conclusions Automated, gamified virtual reality exposure therapy appears to be an appealing treatment modality and to work by the intended mechanisms. Findings from the current study may guide the next generation of interventions and inform dissemination efforts and future qualitative research into user experiences.

Virtual reality exposure therapy in anxiety disorders: a quantitative meta-analysis

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Opriş ◽  
Sebastian Pintea ◽  
Azucena García-Palacios ◽  
Cristina Botella ◽  
Ştefan Szamosközi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Exposure Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure

Virtual reality exposure therapy of anxiety disorders: A review

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Krijn ◽  
P.M.G Emmelkamp ◽  
R.P Olafsson ◽  
R Biemond
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Exposure Therapy ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy ◽  
Virtual Reality Exposure
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