Virtual reality in mental health
Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: The possible impact of VR on mental health has the potential to be even more than what is currently offered by new communication technologies such as the Internet. In fact, VR is simultaneously a technology, a communication interface, and an experience: a communication interface based on interactive 3D visualization, able to collect and integrate different inputs and data sets in a single life-like experience. Using VRT, it is possible to offer exposure therapy, the most effective form of behavioral therapy for many conditions, and to integrate it with other traditional psychotherapy methods in order to improve their effectiveness. However, the "best" evidence in evaluating the efficacy of a therapy or treatment approach are the results of randomized, controlled clinical trials. To this end the paper discusses the results of the VEPSY UPDATED - http://www.cybertherapy.info - controlled clinical trials. In these trials involving a total of 388 patients - the largest-ever controlled study in VR therapy - different virtual environments were developed and tested to be used in the clinical assessment and treatment of social phobia, panic disorders, male sexual disorders, obesity, and eating disorders.
Authors: Giuseppe Riva, Mariano Alcañíz, Luigi Anolli, Monica Bacchetta, Rosa M. Baños, C Buselli, Francesco Beltrame, Cristina Botella, Gabriele Castelnuovo, Gianluca Cesa, Sara Conti, Carlo Galimberti, L Gamberini, Andrea Gaggioli, Évelyne Klinger, Patrick Légeron, Fabrizia Mantovani, Giuseppe Mantovani, Enrico Molinari, Gabriele Optale, L Ricciardiello, Conxa Perpiñá, Stéphane Roy, Anna Spagnolli, R Troiani, Charles D. Weddle
Language: English
Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W960907764