While the treatment of psychosis is not typically thought of as “cutting edge,” research into the use of virtual reality (VR) as therapy for psychosis shows promise. VR, which can allow patients to talk to an avatar of their hallucinations, explore locations that give them anxiety, and practice talking to others in a variety of threatening or non-threatening situations, gives patients the chance to work through their own fears in a no-risk environment. Research thus far has been targeted at improving function, and studies have been conducted to examine methods for improving cognition, social skills, job interview skills, and to augment cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in schizophrenia or other mental disorders with psychosis.
These demonstration virtual reality experiences were created by Implied Motion on behalf of the County of Tulare in North California to showcase how virtual reality can be used to educate therapists by providing a unique insight into the auditory and visual and mental conditions faced everyday by those suffering from schizophrenia.
