Virtual Reality Therapy Shows Promise in Reducing Voice Hallucinations in Schizophrenia Patients

Recent research from Copenhagen University Hospital's VIRTU Research Group highlights the potential of immersive virtual reality-assisted therapy in managing persistent auditory verbal hallucinations in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The study focused on Challenge-VRT, a therapy where participants engage in real-time dialogues with avatars representing their voices, using head-mounted displays to create a fully immersive environment.

Auditory hallucinations are a common and distressing symptom of schizophrenia, affecting approximately 75% of patients, with about one-third resisting medication. These voices often worsen during the first decade of illness, making effective treatment crucial. Current psychotherapies tend to have modest effects, underscoring the need for innovative interventions.

In the trial, 270 adults from various regions of Denmark were randomized to receive seven weekly Challenge-VRT sessions alongside two booster sessions, or to continue with enhanced treatment as usual. The therapy involved clinicians facilitating interactions between patients and avatar voices, which were co-developed with individuals experiencing hallucinations. The goal was to help patients regain control over their voices, bolster their self-esteem, and aid in recovery.

Results showed a statistically significant short-term reduction in hallucination severity, with a 12.9% decrease in total hallucination scores 12 weeks post-treatment. Voice frequency also decreased by 14.4% and remained lower even after 24 weeks. While the therapy did not significantly impact voice-related distress or social functioning, it proved to be generally well tolerated, with some patients experiencing transient worsening of symptoms initially. Serious adverse events related to therapy were rare and included hospitalizations for symptom exacerbation and a self-harm episode, with no fatalities.

Overall, the findings suggest that virtual reality-based avatar therapy is a feasible and acceptable approach for patients whose voices persist despite medication. The intervention’s success highlights its potential for broader clinical use, especially as software and supervision methods continue to improve.

Source: Medical Xpress