Using virtual reality to evaluate executive functioning among persons with schizophrenia: A validity study

Serious Games for Serious problems: from Ludicus to Therapeuticus

“…It looks like that SG can be also a promising TTT for the understanding of schizophrenia and other brain disorders. SG in schizophrenia is not only a TTT, but a methodology that helps the understanding of functioning of schizophrenia and a new form of diagnostic as well (Josman et al, 2009). According to Freeman (2008), there are some SG applied on schizophrenia treatment, which can teach about the factors that make symptoms better or worse by indicating how emotional state affects hallucinations, or by helping the schizophrenics to learn about the effects focus of attention or style of reasoning.…”

Virtual Reality in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

“…Virtual environments have also been used to evaluate cognitive functioning in individuals with various limitations. In a recent study, Josman and colleagues (Josman et al, 2009) employed VR to evaluate executive functioning in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The VR environment simulated shopping activity, and the authors found it highly suitable for the assessment of executive function deficits in schizophrenia.…”

“…The VR environment simulated shopping activity, and the authors found it highly suitable for the assessment of executive function deficits in schizophrenia. Although these deficits are well documented in the literature, they are generally assessed by neuropsychological tests, which provide important information, but consist of isolated, artificial tasks, with a fairly limited ability to predict the daily functioning of the patient (Chaytor et al, 2006;Josman et al, 2009). VR environments, on the other hand, have high ecological validity and cue habitual responses, thus giving the clinician more insight into the day-to-day behavior of the patient.…”

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation of Executive Functions: Challenges and Perspectives

“…The nature of these deficits, such as poor ability to criticize, distractibility, difficulty in abstract thinking, can compromise the patient's ability and motivation to adapt strategically to his/her disabilities [4]. Psychiatric and neurological patients with ED have independence and participation in affected activities, especially in daily life activities [5], moreover, they are more likely to drop out from treatment [6].…”