A Real Environment Based Virtual Reality Psychosocial Treatment May Help Patients with Schizophrenia to Increase Social Functioning: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Objective: VR (Virtual Reality) is a novel treatment method for mental disorders. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of the VR Psychosocial Treatment Program (PTP) on psychosocial functioning and symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Method: Seven schizophrenia patients who have been admitted to the Schizophrenia Outpatient Unit of Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine and met the diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-V diagnostic criteria were included in the study. Psychosocial functionality level was assessed by PSP (Personal and Social Performance Scale), positive and negative symptom severity with PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), and social skills with SSC (Social Skills Checklist). VR-PTP was continued for a total of 10 sessions and twice a week for five weeks. In this study, a real-environment-based VR-PTP for schizophrenia patients was developed. In the sessions, there were different real-environment-based VR contents including social interaction components such as cafe, market, bazaar, public transportation. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the PSP scores before and after the VR application (p=0.018). None of the patients reported motion sickness during VR sessions due to the immersive nature of VR. There was no significant difference in PANSS total and subscale scores before and after VR-PTP. Conclusion: In this preliminary study, we discovered that real-environment-based VR-PTP is effective for improving the social skills of patients with schizophrenia. Cognitive enhancement programs and psychosocial functionality therapies may be carried out using virtual reality in the near future. VR can assist patients in coping with their symptoms and day-to-day challenges. © (2023), (Turkish Association of Nervous and Mental Health). All Rights Reserved.