Can virtual reality be used in the treatment of schizophrenia?

During the international telemedicine conference in Tromsø, Dr.Jennifer Tichon from the University of Queensland presented the results and the further plans for a research project which looks at the use of VR equipment in connection with the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which is characterized by delusions, hallucinations and thought disruptions among other symptoms. It is in connection with hallucinations - distortions or disruptions in visual and aural impressions - that the use of VR could be important. First of all, VR will give health workers, especially students, the possibility to experience the symptoms which patients experience. Jennifer Tichon thinks that this will increase health workers' empathy and understanding of the patients' situation. Secondly, VR can provide a tool in the treatment of patients. Patients can be placed in "virtual" situations where they are exposed to a situation or an object which they experience as difficult, but now they have the possibility to control the intensity of the experience. In this way, patients can learn how to handle situations which under normal circumstances would be difficult.

Client participation

The method is based on conversations with patients, and the virtual examples are based upon real experiences which the patients have had. With computer animation they have built up different environments which the patient has described. In these environments they have added images and sound which simulate real hallucinations. Some of the patients have been presented with the models, and have considered them to be very realistic.

Other areas of use of VR in the psychiatric field

The VR equipment being used is a 150-degree screen which covers the whole visual area, and speakers to simulate the auditive impressions, like voices. In addition to the ideas presented by Tichon, we can find others working with the use of VR in the psychiatric field. One research project at the psychological institute, NTNU, is focusing on the possibilities to treat different phobias with the help of VR equipment. At the same time we can find similar projects in Italy and Spain, including the use of VR in the treatment of eating disorders

Need for more knowledge

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which touches 1-2 % of the whole population at all times. This is not a homogenous phenomenon. Different types of schizophrenia exist, but a common feature is the presence of delusions, hallucinations and thought disruptions. The disorder often causes admission in psychiatric institutions and is therefore resource demanding.

In addition, schizophrenia increases the possibility for suicide. Some authorities report that more than 10% of people suffering from schizophrenia commit suicide. VR could be a step towards increased understanding.

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