There are different types of mental health disorders, and each varies in intensity and treatment applicable. The Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation conducted a study in 2019 and found that one in eight people, or 970 million people worldwide, suffered from a mental disorder. By 2020, the numbers rose even higher due to the stress of the global pandemic.
These illnesses could hinder a person’s way of life, as normal activities such as going to work or school could cause tremendous stress. To help people with psychosis, researchers at the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, along with staff from Oxford VR, developed a landmark psychological therapy called Automated Virtual Reality Cognitive Therapy, or “gameChange“.
Virtual therapy to help reduce anxiety levels
gameChange is a VR therapy that intends to help reduce the patient’s anxiety and enable them to deal with everyday social situations. The user would only need to wear a VR headset and start the program. A virtual coach or therapist guides the patient through six sessions wherein they can practice being virtually out in public through the simulation.
Aside from that, gameChange also aims to help reintegrate psychiatric patients into society. The program has virtual environments that emulate real-life scenarios for the patient, like a bus stop and a coffee shop. By preparing them to deal with situations that may normally cause panic attacks, the VR therapy program helps them live a normal life outside.
Our new paper on the development of @gameChangeVR therapy is now available open access. An incredibly enjoyable process with over 500 hours of input from people with lived experience of psychosis, co-ordinated by the wonderful @McPinFoundation. https://t.co/b2LjhUIT7H pic.twitter.com/FtVarmEzz9
— Sinead Lambe (@SineadPLambe) May 20, 2020
Success in clinical trials
gameChange received £4 million in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Although VR therapy does not apply to all kinds of patients, the program has helped others during their rehabilitation. The clinical trial showed a tremendous improvement for people with agoraphobia. Now, it is implemented in selected NHS mental health services.
Major concerns regarding VR therapy include the need for constant supervision and the space for implementing sessions. However, if the method continuously delivers positive results, it may have a future in the healthcare system. If implemented on a larger scale alongside proper medication and counseling, more people suffering from mental health problems could be reached and treated.
YouTube: Introducing the gameChange VR therapy
Photo credit: The feature image is owned by the University of Oxford and was made available as part of a press release.
Sources: Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation / World Health Organization / National Library of Medicine
