Integrating virtual realities and psychotherapy: SWOT analysis on VR and MR based treatments of anxiety and stress-related disorders

ABSTRACT

The use of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technology in clinical psychology is growing. Efficacious VR-based treatments for a variety of disorders have been developed. However, the field of technology-assisted psychotherapy is constantly changing with the advancement in technology. Factors such as interdisciplinary collaboration, consumer familiarity and adoption of VR products, and progress in clinical science all need to be taken into consideration when integrating virtual technologies into psychotherapies. We aim to present an overview of current expert opinions on the use of virtual technologies in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders. An anonymous survey was distributed to a select group of researchers and clinicians, using an analytic framework known as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). Overall, the respondents had an optimistic outlook regarding the current use as well as future development and implementation of technology-assisted interventions. VR and MR psychotherapies offer distinct advantages that can overcome shortcomings associated with traditional therapy. The respondents acknowledged and discussed current limitations of VR and MR psychotherapies. They recommended consolidation of existing knowledge and encouraged standardisation in both theory and practice. Continued research is needed to leverage the strengths of VR and MR to develop better treatments.

Abbreviations: AR: Augmented Reality; MR: Mixed Reality; RCT: Randomised Controlled Trial; SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats; VR: Virtual Reality; VR-EBT: Virtual Reality Exposure-Based Therapy

KEYWORDS:

• Virtual reality
• mixed reality
• anxiety disorder
• virtual reality exposure

Acknowledgments

RB, CB, and SQ receive funding from CIBERObn, an initiative of the ISCIII (ISC III CB06 03/0052).

BR receives funding from Wounded Warrior Project, National Science Foundation, Cohen Veteran Bioscience, Bob Woodruff Foundation, The Hidden Heroes Fund (an initiative of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation), Department of Defense (Clinical Trial Grant No.W81XWH-10-1-1045), and McCormick Foundation.

Declarations of Interest

SB is president of, and own shares in, Cliniques et Developpement In Virtuo, a company that distributes virtual environments, and potential conflict of interest are managed under UQO’s conflict of interest policy.

TD has co-developed the VR application ZeroPhobia, which is intended for commercial release.

PL has received consulting fees from Mimerse but holds no financial stake in the company.

AM is a stakeholder of a commercial company that develops and sells virtual environment research systems.

BR receives royalties from Oxford University Press, Guilford, APPI, and Emory University and received advisory board payments from Genentech, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Nobilis Therapeutics, Sophren, Neuronetics, and Aptinyx. BR is a consultant to and owns equity in Virtually Better, Inc. that creates virtual environments. The terms of these arrangements have been reviewed and approved by Emory University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies.

PC is an unpaid member of the scientific advisory board of PsycReality.