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Effects of virtual reality technology on core symptoms of schizophrenia patients: A systematic review and
Hui-Zhen Huang1, Yu-Bin Chen2, Xiao-Qing Wang3
1Department of Medicine, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, 313000, China.
Background:
Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly applied in psychiatric rehabilitation and shows promise for improving outcomes in schizophrenia. However, the evidence base remains fragmented, leading to uncertainty regarding its overall efficacy across symptom and functional domains.
Objective:
To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating VR interventions for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Methods:
Five databases (PsycINFO, Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched in December 2024. Eligible studies included RCTs of VR interventions in individuals with schizophrenia. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize effect sizes given study heterogeneity.
Results:
Fourteen studies (n = 678) were included, covering five VR approaches: Virtual Reality Social Skills and Vocational Rehabilitation Training, Virtual Reality Cognitive Rehabilitation Training, Virtual Reality Theory of Mind Intervention, Virtual Reality-Assisted Mindfulness Intervention, and Avatar Virtual Therapy. VR significantly improved overall psychiatric symptoms, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive function. The effect on negative symptoms was moderate (SMD = -0.52, p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis further indicated that virtual cognitive interventions were particularly effective in improving negative symptoms. No significant improvement was observed in social functioning.
Conclusions:
VR interventions effectively reduce core symptoms, VR-based cognitive interventions may confer greater benefits for negative symptoms, while evidence for social functioning remains inconclusive. Given methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and short follow-up durations, further large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols of VR and extended follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings and facilitate clinical translation.
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