Work

The efficacy of virtual reality-enhanced EEG biofeedback in anxiety treatment: analysis of a digital health intervention

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of Meditation therapy integrated with EEG biofeedback (MT-EB) for anxiety disorders and explores long short-term memory (LSTM) networks for personalizing meditation via EEG data. In a randomized controlled trial of 89 patients, home-based (H-EBM) and virtual reality (VR-EBM) approaches were delivered using portable EEG devices, VR glasses, and Android platforms. LSTM networks customized meditation scenarios, with outcomes measured by Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and biofeedback scores after three weeks. Post-treatment anxiety scores significantly decreased across all groups. While H-EBM + VR-EBM combination showed superior subjective SAS improvement (p < 0.05), HAMA reductions were comparable between groups. Biofeedback scores indicated general EEG improvements but failed to show VR-EBM superiority. Though LSTM-enabled personalization demonstrated feasibility, its advantage over manual protocols remained unproven. MT-EB treatment proved effective for anxiety, achieving outcomes comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The SAS score differentiation suggests VR-EBM integration may enhance subjective benefits, though biofeedback metrics did not confirm VR-specific advantages. LSTM applications for tailored interventions show promise but require further validation. These findings highlight MT-EB as a viable anxiety treatment, with perceptual framework innovations offering potential therapeutic strategies. Future studies should investigate long-term efficacy and broader implementation possibilities.

Source: Cogent Psychology

DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2025.2565063

Authors: BG Tong, Zi Hong Liang, Xue Mei He, Fan Yang, Lan Jing, Li Jia Gao

Institutions: Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical 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: $1,134