Bringing Virtual Reality From Clinical Trials to Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Eating Disorders: An Example...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Eating disorders (EDs) have suboptimal treatment outcomes, with only 50% remission and 24% dropout rates.
• Virtual reality (VR) interventions show preliminary efficacy and noninferiority across psychiatric disorders.
• VR technology advancements offer increased portability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review empirical support for integrating VR with evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for EDs.
• To propose next steps for implementing VR-based interventions in clinical settings.
• To illustrate a deployment-focused model for developing and testing VR-CET for EDs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of VR applications in psychiatric disorders, focusing on EDs.
• Analysis of existing empirical evidence for VR-integrated EBTs.
• Proposal of a deployment-focused model for intervention development and testing.

Main Results:

• VR integration with EBTs, specifically VR-Cue Exposure Therapy (VR-CET), is a promising avenue for ED treatment.
• A deployment-focused model and comprehensive clinical protocol are crucial for rapid implementation.
• Key missing protocol components for VR-CET implementation and testing were identified.

Conclusions:

• Integrating VR with EBTs, such as VR-CET, can significantly enhance ED treatment outcomes and reduce dropout.
• A structured approach, including a deployment-focused model and detailed clinical protocols, is essential for successful real-world application.
• Further research and development are needed to fully realize the potential of VR in global mental health care.