Work

Effectiveness of virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral group therapy on reducing anxiety and depression in Parkinson’s patients: a randomized controlled trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Introduction/objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral group therapy (VR-CBGT) on reducing anxiety and depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: A randomized clinical trial with a pretest and posttest design was conducted involving 90 Parkinson’s patients, from Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran in 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving 12 sessions of VR-CBGT over 3 months or a control group with no psychological intervention. Both groups completed the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS-25. Results: The experimental group showed significant reductions in depression and anxiety compared to the control group. VR-CBGT explained 15% of the variance in depression (F = 6.148, P < 0.0005) and 31% in anxiety (F = 17.800, P < 0.0005). Conclusion: VR-CBGT effectively alleviates depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s patients, offering a promising therapeutic approach. Integrating VR into CBT enhances engagement and real-life skill application, supporting its use as a complementary intervention.

Source: Annals of Medicine and Surgery

DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000003035

Authors: Farnaz Asadiof, Zhaleh Hasanpour Gharehtapeh, Mahdi Naeim, Fatemeh Mirzai, Yasaman Mohammadi

Institutions: Payame Noor University, Bu-Ali Sina University

Language: English

Topic: Digital Mental Health Interventions

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,850