Case Report: Feasibility of a Novel Virtual Reality-Based Intervention for Patients With Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe and disabling mental illness, associated with persistent difficulties in social functioning. While gaining and retaining a job or staying socially integrated can be very difficult for the patients, the treatment of poor functionality remains challenging with limited options in pharmacotherapy. To address the limitations of medical treatment, several interesting and innovative approaches have been introduced in the field of psychotherapy. Recent approaches incorporate modern technology as well, such as virtual reality. A potential therapeutic benefit of virtual reality is particularly significant when an interpersonal dimension of the problem needs to be addressed. One example is a Virtual Reality based Theory of Mind Intervention (VR-ToMIS), a novel method, which enables patients to practice complex social interactions without the burden of real-life consequences. Our paper presents a case report showing promising results of VR-ToMIS. Ms. Smith is a 50- year-old patient who has been suffering from schizophrenia for 20 years. Although in her case there was no problem with compliance throughout the years, she had severe problems regarding social functionality. With VR-ToMIS, she improved in ToM and communicative-pragmatic skills. The effects of the intervention went beyond the increased scores of the tests. Before the intervention there was a risk of the patient becoming unemployed as she was unable to follow the main principles of communicative exchange. Usually, her contribution was more informative than was required. After the intervention her communication became more balanced and she could retain her job. This case suggests that VR-ToMIS may be a promising tool for treating social disfunction in schizophrenia.

A Literature Review Examining Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Individuals Diagnosed With Social Anxiety Disorder

“…It is also under study for treating schizophrenia. In a recent study, VR-based theory of mind intervention (VR-ToMIS), a novel method is explored, which enables patients to practice complex social interactions without the stress of real-life consequences (Vass et al, 2021). A case report showing promising results of VR-ToMIS was presented where a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia improved in ToM and communicative-pragmatic skills using VR-ToMIS (Vass et al, 2021).…”

“…In a recent study, VR-based theory of mind intervention (VR-ToMIS), a novel method is explored, which enables patients to practice complex social interactions without the stress of real-life consequences (Vass et al, 2021). A case report showing promising results of VR-ToMIS was presented where a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with schizophrenia improved in ToM and communicative-pragmatic skills using VR-ToMIS (Vass et al, 2021). There is another study that developed a cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) supported by VR that has shown its utility and effectiveness in the treatment of adjustment disorder (Quero et al, 2012).…”

How Interpersonal Distance Between Avatar and Human Influences Facial Affect Recognition in Immersive Virtual Reality

“…Thus, VR established itself as a means of investigating threat perception, fear, and exposure processing (Glotzbach-Schoon et al, 2013;Shiban et al, 2013;Diemer et al, 2015). In recent years, research has been extended to other mental disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia (Chen et al, 2021;Vass et al, 2021). This body of research has concluded that VR is a valuable tool for assessing the presence of symptoms in valid and controlled settings (Rus-Calafell et al, 2018;Browning et al, 2020;Fernández-Sotos et al, 2020;Hørlyck et al, 2021).…”