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Review of Virtual Reality Treatment in Psychiatry: Evidence Versus Current Diffusion and Use

  • Psychiatry in the Digital Age (J Shore, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review provides an overview of the current evidence base for and clinical applications of the use of virtual reality (VR) in psychiatric practice, in context of recent technological developments.

Recent Findings

The use of VR in psychiatric practice shows promise with much of the research demonstrating clinical effectiveness for conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and phobias, chronic pain, rehabilitation, and addictions. However, more research is needed before the use of VR is considered a clinical standard of practice in some areas.

Summary

The recent release of first generation consumer VR products signals a change in the viability of further developing VR systems and applications. As applications increase so will the need for good quality research to best understand what makes VR effective, and when VR is not appropriate for clinical services. As the field progresses, it is hopeful that the flexibility afforded by this technology will yield superior outcomes and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms impacting those outcomes.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Matthew C. Mishkind

  2. VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA

    Aaron M. Norr, Andrea C. Katz & Greg M. Reger

  3. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA

    Greg M. Reger

Authors
  1. Matthew C. Mishkind
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  2. Aaron M. Norr
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  3. Andrea C. Katz
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  4. Greg M. Reger
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Correspondence to Matthew C. Mishkind.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Psychiatry in the Digital Age

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Mishkind, M.C., Norr, A.M., Katz, A.C. et al. Review of Virtual Reality Treatment in Psychiatry: Evidence Versus Current Diffusion and Use. Curr Psychiatry Rep 19, 80 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0836-0

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