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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
08:20
Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
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Artificial intelligence (AI) for virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET): A systematic review
Kamilla Bergsnev1, Ana Luisa Sánchez Laws2
1Psychology Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway. kamilla.bergsnev@uit.no.
Translational Psychiatry
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) shows promise for personalizing virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET). However, AI in VRET is still emerging, requiring more patient and therapist involvement in development and evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Technology
- Computational Psychiatry
- Digital Therapeutics
Background:
- Exposure therapy is effective for anxiety disorders, with virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) offering practical advantages.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) presents opportunities to personalize VRET, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing research on AI applications for tailoring VRET.
- To identify how AI can better meet patient and therapist needs in VRET.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched multiple databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, etc.) for peer-reviewed articles up to November 2025.
- Included 23 articles after screening 377 records.
Main Results:
- Promising AI applications identified include conversational AI and machine learning for outcome prediction and personalization.
- Over half of machine learning (ML) studies lacked therapist or patient involvement in goal setting or evaluation.
Conclusions:
- AI for VRET is in its early stages of development.
- Future research must prioritize consistent inclusion of therapists and patients in AI-VRET design and evaluation.
- Transdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for advancing AI-driven VRET.
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